Brighton's top names have rallied round to pledge their support to the French Convalescent Home.

The unique Brighton seafront building has been saved from demolition by being awarded Grade II listed status.

It means the imposing chateau, which dates back to the late 19th Century, is safe from the bulldozers.

The next hurdle for tireless campaigners, including home manager Catherine Gennaro and MP Des Turner, is to keep the historic building as a home.

Developers Bovis still plan to close it down, which means the 37 elderly residents will have to leave.

Now some of Brighton's best-known faces have added their voices to the campaign to save the French Convalescent Home.

Andrew Goodall, owner of Brighton Marina, said: "I'm very supportive of the campaign.

"You can see the building from the marina and it is excellent news it has been listed.

"Everyone would want to see the old people stay in the home.

"That goes without saying.

"I think the way forward is to check all the figures and make sure it is viable to be kept as a home."

Canon Douglas McKittrick said: "As Vicar of Brighton I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the campaign the Argus set up.

"What we are dealing with here is a very human problem. These are elderly people who need to be given dignity and what they really need and deserve is to be left in the place they consider their home.

"It's very distressing that developers want to uproot the elderly from their stability for profit - that's clearly wrong."

MP Ivor Caplin said: "I'm very pleased the campaign has come to fruition with the listing which was the right decision.

"Those who wish to develop the site will have to now consider the listing very carefully."

MP David Lepper said: "I hope Bovis will now think again about the future of the home now it's been listed.

"I will be offering all the support I can."

Dr Anthony Seldon, head of Brighton College, said: "I think the stand of the Argus is fantastic.

"The campaign has raised the deep sentiment and anger of the people of Brighton about developers coming in and making money by causing misery to local people."

Jenny Backwell, director of Brighton Housing Trust, said: "There is already a great shortage of housing in Brighton and it will be virtually impossible for the elderly people to find suitable alternative accommodation, therefore we would certainly back the campaign for them to stay at the home."

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