ELDERLY and vulnerable people who 'rely on one another' may be forced to leave their home if plans to knock it down go through.

Residents of Marchesi House in Southill are concerned they could be kicked out as early as September next year in existing buildings to make way for a new development.

Bournemouth Churches Housing Association, which owns the site, intends to apply to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for permission to build ten new flats and 11 affordable houses on the land.

Eighty-five-year-old Gillian Perry, who after 15 years is the longest–term resident of the sheltered accommodation, said: "The way they said it was we have just got to get out and find our own places. We didn’t know anything about it until three representatives came round last Tuesday."

BCHA said the decision comes after Marchesi House saw a significant reduction in demand for residency, coupled with the reduction of Supporting People funding.

Paul Tucker, communications manager for BCHA, said: "During the conversation with residents we not only confirmed that each of them would receive Home Loss and Disturbance compensation payments but also made it clear that BCHA was totally committed to making sure that that every single resident would be rehoused in appropriate accommodation."

He added: "BCHA fully intends to work in close partnership with West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council to rehome all Marchesi occupants."

Despite BCHA's promises, residents fear for their futures as they say their community will be destroyed as there is not enough available housing to relocate them to.

Resident Barbara Black said: “They don’t seem to realise that there is a sense of community here. Over the years people here have formed quite a connection amongst themselves, they rely on one another.”

Cllr and Briefholder for social inclusion Christine James said: "I can understand why BCHA would want to make better use of the land but at the same time they need to take into account people who have been there a long time. They have built a life there, they must be feeling frightened and concerned.

"When you are moving the elderly or people who have difficulties you need to be extremely, extremely careful. It can be a traumatic experience for many and can lead to illness or land them in hospital."

Originally built by The Round Table, Marchesi House has served as housing for the vulnerable and elderly since 1975.

Cllr for Westham West ward Gill Taylor said: "I am sorry to hear that we may be losing the facility but BCHA are a private provider of housing so the decision is up to them. I understand they are in discussions with the council but absolutely no decision has been made yet."