Pensioners at a Canvey care home are facing an uncertain future after learning it will close at the end of the month.

The 16 residents of Beveland Lodge, aged between 76 and 98, will be forced to find another home when it shuts its doors on July 30.

The privately-run home was transferred to the control of management company Buchler Phillips by its previous owner, William Davidson.

Mr Davidson of Cambridge Road, Canvey, who also owned Astairs nightclub on Canvey, went bankrupt in January.

Buchler Phillips took it over with a view to finding a new buyer but all attempts have failed, according to manager Valerie Gardner.

News of the closure came as a shock to both staff and families of the residents of the home in Beveland Road.

Mrs Gardner was stunned when she heard.

She said: "Everybody is very upset. It is not like working in a shop where you go home at the end of the day and switch off. These are real people we are dealing with and we want them to go to a home which is best for them.

"Some of the residents have been here for years. It is just a shock.

"I knew the home would be difficult to sell after it was taken on but I didn't expect this."

The residential home, which has been open for 13 years, is thought to be one of the first on the island.

She added: "There are about four or five homes on Canvey now but most of them are full.

"It is very short notice for us and we are doing the best we can to try and rehome our residents."

One relative said the news would devastate her 96 year-old aunt who was "perfectly happy" living in the home.

Dorothy Arscott said: "It is such a tragedy. We are very upset. Why should people be put out when they are settled and content? Where is everyone going to go? It is so unfair to put this burden on them."

She added: "When she first moved there she was going downhill but now she is full of life. She plays bingo and cards and it is a lovely atmosphere. I just cannot understand why they need to close it down."

Becky Clough, spokesman for Essex Social Services, said: "If Essex Social Services has placed people in an independent sector home which is due to close we would help residents to relocate to a home of their choice.

"If people have placed themselves in a home which is due to close they would normally choose to make their own alternative arrangements but we would offer advice and information to help them with their decision."

Set to close - Beveland Lodge, home to 16 elderly residents

Picture: ANDY PALMER

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.