A 94-year-old woman is among 12 elderly people being turfed out of a residential hotel in Westcliff.

Hettie Palester has lived in the New Redstone Hotel for 18 years - but she and the others, who are like a family together, have all been given notice to quit.

Her letter from owner Paul Benson said the Pembury Road hotel - home to the 12 Jewish residents - had been sold because of the lack of new residents coming in.

Mr Benson, in his letter to New Redstone residents, said he could not sustain the overheads and running costs, and added: "It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that after considering all the options available, I have to inform you that your tenancy is terminated forthwith.

"However, I will do everything that I can to ensure that suitable alternative accommodation is found for you, if you wish me to."

However, Mrs Palester's son, Tony, 55, said: "If the hotel is sold, how can he end their tenancy? It should be the new people who should be doing that.

"There are 10 to 12 people there between the ages of 80 and 94.

"The old folk are like a family in the hotel. I have told one of the employees that I wish to take up Mr Benson's offer of finding an alternative place.

"It needs to be a residential hotel in Westcliff which is still kosher. There is only one other hotel for Jewish people, the Cobham, which is totally full up, and then there is Raymond House nursing home.

"But my mother's not ready for a nursing home. She walks three miles a day and is very active.

"You can't take an orthodox Jew who has spent all her life being totally kosher, and put her in a bed and breakfast place where they would offer her eggs and bacon. It would kill her."

Though Mrs Palester could go to stay with her son for a few weeks, Tony is worried about her being on her own all day, as he and his wife both work.

He added: "It's the way it's been done. People who have been together for 10 or 12 years are now being turned out with no notice whatsoever."

The owner, or former owner, Mr Benson was said to be on holiday and the manager was away when we tried to contact him.

The Jewish welfare organisation has taken up the plight of the old folk.

The news comes at the same time as new homes are being found for residents from four council-run homes in Southend.

Friars House in Shoebury closed its doors for good yesterday and council bosses are now looking for homes for residents at Pantile House, Southend, which will be used to home bedblockers.

Balmoral in Westcliff has already closed. A closing date has not been set for Blenheim House in Leigh.

Turfed out - Hettie Palester, 94, is looking for a new home after being told to quit the New Redstone Hotel, right

Picture: MAXINE CLARK

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