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Parkinson condemns almshouse plan Parkinson condemns almshouse plan
(1 day later)
Plans to evict residents from historic almshouses in a Berkshire village have been condemned by broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson.Plans to evict residents from historic almshouses in a Berkshire village have been condemned by broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson.
Jesus Hospital in Bray has housed "the poor and aged" since 1627 after it was endowed by Sir William Goddard.Jesus Hospital in Bray has housed "the poor and aged" since 1627 after it was endowed by Sir William Goddard.
The Fishmongers' Company, which runs it, plans to transfer responsibility for it to Bristol Charities, which plans to sell it to developers.The Fishmongers' Company, which runs it, plans to transfer responsibility for it to Bristol Charities, which plans to sell it to developers.
Both organisations said they would work to minimise the problems for residents.Both organisations said they would work to minimise the problems for residents.
A memorial plaque in the church states that Sir William, who died in 1609, wanted the Guild of Fishmongers to remain as the "perpetual trustee and governor".A memorial plaque in the church states that Sir William, who died in 1609, wanted the Guild of Fishmongers to remain as the "perpetual trustee and governor".
Residents of Jesus Hospital will not need to move until the new almshouses are ready for occupation Eleanor Burnikell, Fishmongers' CompanyResidents of Jesus Hospital will not need to move until the new almshouses are ready for occupation Eleanor Burnikell, Fishmongers' Company
The company plans to hand over the Grade I listed houses to Bristol Charities, which rehouses the elderly.The company plans to hand over the Grade I listed houses to Bristol Charities, which rehouses the elderly.
Bristol Charities intends to sell the building and six acres of land - valued at £7m - and build an apartment block in nearby Maidenhead.Bristol Charities intends to sell the building and six acres of land - valued at £7m - and build an apartment block in nearby Maidenhead.
As almspeople, Jesus Hospital residents pay rent but occupy the properties under licence and have no rights under housing law. As almspeople, Jesus Hospital residents pay a fair rent but occupy the properties under licence and have no rights under housing law.
The must be over 55, of limited means and have lived in the parish for 20 years.The must be over 55, of limited means and have lived in the parish for 20 years.
Villagers fear the building may be converted into an exclusive hotel and restaurant or expensive housing and have set up the Save Jesus Hospital campaign, with Sir Michael, who lives in Bray, as patron.Villagers fear the building may be converted into an exclusive hotel and restaurant or expensive housing and have set up the Save Jesus Hospital campaign, with Sir Michael, who lives in Bray, as patron.
Sir William wanted the Fishmongers' Company to remain as the trusteeSir William wanted the Fishmongers' Company to remain as the trustee
He said: "Not only has the Fishmongers' Company grossly betrayed the wishes of Sir William Goddard, but they have betrayed the residents of Jesus Hospital and the village itself, of which the almshouses are an important part of its fabric and heritage."He said: "Not only has the Fishmongers' Company grossly betrayed the wishes of Sir William Goddard, but they have betrayed the residents of Jesus Hospital and the village itself, of which the almshouses are an important part of its fabric and heritage."
Eleanor Burnikell, almoner at the Fishmongers' Company, said it recognised that the transfer was "difficult" for the residents.Eleanor Burnikell, almoner at the Fishmongers' Company, said it recognised that the transfer was "difficult" for the residents.
She said the Charity Commission would have to approve the transfer, the future sale and plan to build modern almshouses.She said the Charity Commission would have to approve the transfer, the future sale and plan to build modern almshouses.
"Residents of Jesus Hospital will not need to move until the new almshouses are ready for occupation," Ms Burnikell said."Residents of Jesus Hospital will not need to move until the new almshouses are ready for occupation," Ms Burnikell said.