THIS is the detached home of Bovis boss Jim Ditheridge - the man

who wants to bulldoze the French Convalescent Home in Brighton.

Protected by three security cameras, Mr Ditheridge's modern £200,000 house, in one of the most exclusive suburbs of Birmingham, is many miles from the convalescent home where dozens of frail and elderly residents fear for their future.

But today, home staff, residents and their relatives sent Mr Ditheridge an angry message, saying: "How would you like it if we knocked your home down?"

Mr Ditheridge, of Fox Hollies Road, Sutton Coldfield, is the managing director of Bovis Retirement Homes, the firm that wants to pull down the imposing chateau in Kemp Town and build 67 sheltered flats in its place.

He knows all about The Argus campaign and has been following our calls for the 101-year-old building to be listed.

He is also well aware of the 3,500 people who have signed

petitions calling for it to be saved.

But yesterday, when asked if the huge wave of public anger and upset would change Bovis's demolition plans, he refused to comment.

Rose Speed, 91, is among worried residents at the French Convalescent Home who will be moved if it is closed and razed.

Her daughter, Beryl Tucknott, 64, of Whitehawk Road, Brighton, said: "Mr Ditheridge, how would you like it if we demolished your home?

"My 91-year-old mum was moved out of her last home a year ago. I put her in the French Convalescent Home and she loves it there.

"Does she really have to go through a second move so soon?"

Catherine Gennaro, the home's manager, said: "I would be appalled if someone knocked on my door and said we are here to knock your house down, but that is what is happening to our residents."

Last night, trustees responsible for selling the home to Bovis Retirement Homes issued a statement saying they were devastated by the "need to sell".

Chairman of trustees Michel Koenig said: "The sale of the French Convalescent Home has been inevitable for years.

"Over the past few years we have worked hard and have been assisted in the running of the home by a very dedicated team of management and staff.

"We have tried to raise the necessary funding to maintain the home and keep it open, but we have been beaten by escalating costs."

Mr Koenig, who visited the home on Tuesday, said the closure and sale had been authorised after in-depth discussions and all proceeds would go to charity.

He said: "We have all been devastated by the need to sell the home and re-house the residents who have looked after it for so long. Quite simply, the money ran out and, facing insolvency, the trust was left no other option."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.