Save the John Howard Cottages on Roedean Rd, Brighton

More than 20 retired nurses will be forced out of their homes to make way for flats or a giant supermarket.

Former nurses living in the John Howard cottages in Roedean Road, Brighton, have been told the land on which their homes sit is to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The 24 cottages were paid for in 1922 by renowned philanthropist Sir John Howard - who also completed the Palace Pier after a cash crisis in 1899 - to provide retired nurses with cheap and pleasant places to live.

But now the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), which took over the administration of the cottages in 1997, has announced it will sell off the land.

Update: 30/11/2007

In the past week there has been much media coverage about this story, but despite promises made in the media and on their own website, the residents STILL have had no direct communication from the RCN with regard to re-assurances the RCN, claim, to be making to the residents of John Howard Homes.

Update: 06/01/2008
A website for support has been launched
http://www.savejohnhowardcottages.org/

Update: 21/01/2008
Links to documents from the Charity Commission
have been added to the website
http://www.savejohnhowardcottages.org/

Update: 28/03/2008
The BBC programme 'Inside Out' (BBC South) highlights, on TV, the plight of the residents at the John Howard Cottages, in Brighton Telling the story and explaining the legacy of John Howard. The RCN were invited to take part and make comment, but declined the invitation.

Update: 30/09/2008
After many months of active campaigning, a deal was thought to have been secured with the The Careways Trust to take over the running of John Howard Homes, but now The Careways Trust have pulled out of the deal, and future of the homes are once more in serious jeopardy!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7641746.stm

Update: April 2010
http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/5032646.Brighton_nurses_evade_eviction/

http://www.savejohnhowardcottages.org/