AN appeal has been launched to help those affected by the fire in St Peter on Monday.

Islanders are being urged to offer accommodation and donate clothing, toys and furniture to the 50 or so residents of Broadlands lodging house on Mont Fallu, many of whom lost their possessions in the blaze.

The fire, which also destroyed a recycling plant at the site, has been called a major disaster for the Portuguese community by the country’s honorary consul.

Carlos Santos-Costa has been meeting the 50 or so residents, mainly from Madeira, who are now homeless after a fire destroyed their lodging house on Monday evening.

A large relief effort involving the honorary and States police, the Co-op and members of the public is now under way and temporary States accommodation has been found to house the residents.

It is believed that many of them did not have bank accounts, so any money they had saved has been burnt along with most of their possessions.

It is also feared that the numbers made homeless could grow to more than 100 as some of the lodgers may have had guests staying with them.

The parish want anyone who has been made homeless or lost possessions in the fire to contact them if they have not already done so.

Yesterday morning many residents who gathered outside St Peter’s Community Centre, which has become a makeshift shelter, were still dazed and suffering from shock.

Parishioners and tourists have been contributing toys, prams, money and clothes for those left without a roof over their head.

Mr Santos-Costa, who is helping the Portuguese residents whose personal documents were burnt, said: ‘I feel really

Right: Ally Drake, the deputy manager of the nursery at St Peter’s Community Centre, with items already donated to those left homeless by the fire (00574268)

Above: Portuguese consul Carlos Santos-Costa speaks to victims of the fire (00574161