Pensioners have spoken of their anguish over the closure of their care home.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers' Home in Hartington Place, Eastbourne, has announced it will close in April next year.

Some of the residents are so distraught they told The Argus they would rather take their own lives than face eviction.

The board of the Royal Alfred Seafarers' Society broke news of the closure to the 27 residents, including three who are aged 100 or over.

It said it was forced to close because of repairs it couldn't afford and new laws on staff training.

Several members of staff, who were not allowed to comment, will lose their jobs.

William Edward Jenner celebrated his 100th birthday in the home on October 4. This is the third home he has had to leave because of closures.

He said: "I was really upset. But the Government has made so many restrictions the homes can't keep up.

"My daughter just moved to Eastbourne to be nearer to me and now I am going to have to move. At my age I don't want to move. I will need to get another doctor. Everyone is sad."

Veere Palmer, 76, said: "I have been here since I retired over ten years ago.

"The staff are very good here and they care. I have looked elsewhere but they are either too expensive or full.

"I have pain in my heart, lungs and legs and I am thinking a nice place in Switzerland would be a good place to end it all. I am very angry and extremely upset.

"Not only is it wrong but it's immoral. The Government is forgetting about people who fought for Britain.

"The least they could do is ensure people have a place to rest without worry. With so many homes closing, it's no wonder the ones left are full."

Rose Brittain, 94, sold her flat to move in. She said: "I have been very happy here. I was very angry when we were told and worried about what is going to happen to us. It's like home here and it came out of the blue.

"But I don't think we can argue against it and they have said they will help us in any way they can."

Moira Smith was activities co-ordinator at the home for more than four years until she left in September.

She said: "Nobody knew this was going to happen. Some of the residents have been here a long time and some are very confused. To move them somewhere else is very sad.

"It's like one big family. Morale in the home is hard to keep up."

The home in Eastbourne was formed in 1965 from two hotels.

According to Mike Derrick, chairman of the East Sussex Care Homes Association, its rates are likely to be between £320 and £360 a week; care home rates start at £322.

It is the latest in a long line ofcare home closures. Since January 1, 2006, 11 care homes in Brighton and Hove have closed.

These include Dresden House earlier this year which saw resident Alice Pink, 93, moved against her will and re-housed. She died weeks after the move.

Edna Henshall, 84, died the day she was due to move. Both deaths were blamed on the stress of the closure.

There have been four closures in Eastbourne, nine in Hastings and St Leonards and Sussex Downs and Weald have lost three homes.

Since 2004, 60 care homes have closed in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove with a loss of 700 beds. There are currently about 550 care homes in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

Most are said to be providing a very good service with a lot more investment in training and staff development.

But there are a number of problems facing the industry.

Mr Derrick said: "The problem is that the cost of running services is increasing and this is not being met in the funding we receive from central government. The Department of Health has been providing very good support but it hasn't been getting through to the South East. The second problem is the Government does not include people over 85 in its calculations.

"It's a time bomb because the number of people over 85 is likely to increase dramatically over the years ahead and the rate of home closures is accelerating. The Royal Alfred has been very good because the residents have been given a long notice period.

"It sounds like the home has been receiving extra support from the charity. But they can't go on any more. It's very sad."

Commander Brian Boxall- Hunt is chief executive of the Royal Alfred Seafarer's Society.

He said: "Residents, their relatives and staff have been fully informed and a process of close consultation with each person has begun. Residents will be offered a variety of suitable alternatives.

"We are particularly sad such an important and well-loved home to the seafaring community is having to close but it is particularly important we concentrate on the positive.

"The society will be able to use money to better effect for all those under our responsibility."

  • Coldean, Bates Estate and South Moulsecoomb - 645 homes
  • Brighton and Hove City Centre - 617 homes
  • Mount Plesant, Queens Park and Craven Vale - 511 homes
  • Patcham and Hollingbury - 550 homes
  • South Whitehawk and Manor Farm - 434 homes
  • Kemptown and Bristol Estate - 545 homes
  • Woodingdean, Lewes Road and Sylvan Hall - 442 homes
  • Albion Hill and Tarner - 402 homes
  • Hangleton - 365 homes
  • Mile Oak and Portslade - 350 homes
  • North Whitehawk - 267 homes
  • Hollingdean - 258 homes
  • Hove, Knoll and Ingram Estate - 183 homes
  • Central Whitehawk - 123 homes