Nurses to be forced out of their homes

Former nurses living in the John Howard cottages in Roedean Road, Brighton, have been told the land on which their homes sit is to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The 24 cottages were paid for in 1922 by renowned philanthropist Sir John Howard - who also completed the Palace Pier after a cash crisis in 1899 - to provide retired nurses with cheap and pleasant places to live.

But now the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which took over the administration of the cottages in 1997, has announced it will sell off the land.

The matter was discussed at a meeting between RCN bosses and residents at St George's Church, in Kemp Town, Brighton, on Monday. Despite the meeting being described as "open", The Argus was told to leave.

The tenants have since vowed to fight the closure, with some even threatening to barricade themselves in their homes.

Nigel Thomas, from Hove, attended the meeting with his 92-year-old mother Joyce, who has lived in her cottage for more than 30 years.

He said: "People are very upset about this. We have nurses ranging from their late forties into their nineties who could be made to move out of their homes within months.

"The ideal scenario is for someone to buy the cottages and let the tenants stay, but we know that is unlikely. I understand where the RCN is coming from but I don't think every avenue has been explored.

"There will come a time when the nurses are effectively told to throw themselves at the mercy of the council or private landlords for housing.

"The sad irony is that Sir John Howard built these homes for retired nurses and here we are about to kick 24 of them out of their own homes. It's heartbreaking."

Tenants in the cottages currently pay peppercorn rents of about £200 a month. The RCN said this is not enough to cover the maintenance costs of the ageing buildings and selling the land is the only option.

As well as the cottages, Sir John also formed the Howard Convalescent Home, in Kemp Town, and built a wing of the Royal Sussex County Hospital at the turn of the 20th century.

One 78-year-old retired nurse, who would not be named, said: "I have lived here for ten years and was told I had the cottage for life. I have spent my life savings on renovating the place and turning it into my home.

"I can't believe what is happening. Sir John would be spinning in his grave."

Tom Sandford, RCN director, said the sale would only go through if the interests of the tenants are protected. The profit from the sale will go to the John Howard Homes charitable trust.

He added: "After consultation with the Charity Commission and careful consideration of the pros and cons of continued ownership, the RCN have decided that the sale of the cottages is best for all parties involved.

"Representatives of the RCN met with the John Howard estate manager and the current tenants to discuss this decision in more detail and to look at the next steps forward.

"The RCN have reassured tenants that a sale will only be approved if their interests are protected. If this means providing relocation assistance to residents, then we will provide that help.

"The decision to sell has been taken because the John Howard Homes charity's funds are limited and currently insufficient to maintain the properties to the standard required. The Charity Commission has recognised this and is allowing the sale of the properties and the substitution of grants to residents for the provision of accommodation.

"We have today made a commitment to continue this dialogue with residents and look forward to reaching a positive conclusion in the future."

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