RESIDENTS at a Weymouth retirement site have been left extremely ‘stressed’ and ‘living out of a suitcase’ for more than eight weeks after they were evacuated following storm damage.

Pensioners living on the top floor of Holly Court in Dorchester Road had to be moved into hotel rooms and holiday accommodation after the roof of their building sustained substantial damage during Storm Eunice on February 18, which led to rain coming through.

The residents, which includes some in their 80 and 90s, were all placed into temporary accommodation but one resident says they have been told they could be forced to remain there until October or November.

Dorset Echo: Holly Court in Dorchester Road

One of the residents, who was forced into holiday accommodation and wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We have all been separated and it has been very stressful.

“At first we do not realise the severity, once everyone had found out we were told on February 18 that those of us on the top floor had to be evacuated.

“Fortunately, I am more mobile than some of the other residents who are in their 80s and 90s and are all very stressed.

“There is no end date in sight, it is stressful moving about.”

The residents says they cannot blame manager at the site but only those above who they seek greater communication from.

Dorset Echo: Holly Court in Dorchester Road

They continued: “We want more communication to know what is going on and when we can come back. We heard October or November.

“I still cannot get back into my apartment to move my stuff into storage and its nearly nine weeks later - currently we’re living out of a suitcase.

Another resident, who also wishes to remain anonymous, added: “The worst thing is the stress and not knowing what they are doing because there has been no communication.

“We have to find out what is happening by asking.

“It’s all getting a bit tearful now, people have got hospital appointments and not knowing if they are going.”

Sue Howes, area manager for Holly Court, said: “Holly Court sustained damage to the roof following Storm Eunice. We took immediate action to safeguard the building and ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of residents at the location.

"To repair the damage, extensive work will be undertaken and residents will have to decant from their properties during this period.

Dorset Echo: Damaged roof at Holly Court in Dorchester Road

"All residents are being offered suitable alternative accommodation while the repairs take place and are being updated throughout the process on these works via meetings and letters. Both I and the on-site manager continue to be available to support and assist residents and in particular to retrieve their possessions from any damaged properties.

“We will continue to keep residents updated with the progress of the works and will confirm when they can return to the property as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused to residents following damage caused by Storm Eunice .”

Management of the site were unable to confirm when residents may be able to return.