CULVER HOUSE, which provides sheltered accommodation for some of Sidmouth s elderly, is being sold to Abbeyfield Sidmouth Society by Sidmouth Consolidated Charities.

CULVER HOUSE, which provides sheltered accommodation for some of Sidmouth's elderly, is being sold to Abbeyfield Sidmouth Society by Sidmouth Consolidated Charities.

SCC has found it increasingly difficult to operate the home without it impacting on the balance of its other charitable activities.

Trustees say they are aware the residents of Culver House, Vicarage Road, are not being catered for as they deserve, and felt their quality of life would be improved under Abbeyfield's experienced management.

Abbeyfield wants to sell its All Saints Road accommodation, after failing to get suitable planning permission to update and extend facilities there, and move residents to Culver House.

With this in mind it has submitted a planning application to East Devon District Council for alterations and extensions, including two-storey extensions, at the former vicarage built in 1920, replacing existing bedsit accommodation with seven flats with a communal dining room, sitting room and kitchen.

Michael Horwood, chairman of Abbeyfield Sidmouth Society, said: "As the local arm of a major British charity specializing in the care of the elderly, we are delighted to be able to build on the good work started by Sidmouth Consolidated Charities.

"We will make arrangements to ensure that all our current residents and those at Culver House are maintained in caring, comfortable and affordable accommodation."

SCC took on Culver House in 1970 and trustee Mary Atkinson said she was pleased Abbeyfield wanted to take it over.

"It is very good news and a very good solution to what looked like an intractable problem," she said.

The few people living at Culver House will be accommodated while building work is carried out.

She said SCC was "there to provide housing, nothing else" and those who had moved there in their 60s were now in their 80s and needing more care, which the charity could not provide.

Chairman Ann Liverton added: "We will continue our other charitable work in and around Sidmouth helping those in need."

Philip Churchill from Abbeyfield said: "We are looking forward to providing the current residents of Culver House with the Abbeyfield experience and the All Saints Road people are looking forward to the move and better facilities.