How sad to see yet another residential home is to close because it will not meet Government guidelines.

Royal Alfred House in Hartington Place, Eastbourne, has provided care and accommodation for many elderly seafarers over the years.

Some of these served in the Merchant Navy during the war and daily risked their lives and suffered great privations to ensure vital supplies got through to our shores.

Among them were many young teenagers, too young to serve in the armed services.

We, as society, owe them a debt of gratitude, which means they have a safe and secure home at the end of their lives.

The ideal would be for the Government to give interest-free loans to residential and nursing homes to cover the cost of the new regulations being implemented.

However, in the meantime, would it be possible to raise the money by establishing a special Royal Alfred Fund?

Contributions could be solicited from the big shipping companies who employed a number of the residents during their working lives.

I am sure the general public would also like to give as a token of thankful gratitude for the sacrifices made by these men on our behalf.

With faith and vision it could still be possible to save Royal Alfred House.

-Reverend John Webster, Gleton Avenue, Hove