CAMPAIGNERS battling to save an historic home met a Government minister today to plead their case.

French Convalescent Home manager Catherine Gennaro and Kemp Town MP Des Turner travelled to London for the meeting with Culture Minister Alan Howarth.

They hoped to persuade him to help get the imposing chateau-style building on Brighton seafront listed and save it from the bulldozers.

Developers Bovis Retirement Homes want to knock it down and replace it with flats. The 40 elderly residents would lose their home and the staff would be out of a job.

Mrs Gennaro said: "We were allocated twenty

minutes with the minister, which wasn't really enough.

"Fitting everything we wanted to say into the time

was quite hard. He's very keen on the historical aspect of the building but he doesn't think English Heritage think much of the architectural aspect.

"He's looking at the historical assessment of the building and whether it's unique, so I emphasised the important role the home has played in history.

"There were also four representatives from

English Heritage there taking notes.

"Mr Howarth emphasised the fact that he is bound by legislation and what he personally feels doesn't really count.

"I came out thinking he was sympathetic and that he is honestly going to do his best to help us."

Now campaigners will have to wait for a final decision on whether the home will be listed.

Mrs Gennaro added: "I just don't understand what they are looking at.

"They list far less favourable buildings. It doesn't make any sense."

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