A Canvey old people's home up for auction next month has attracted floods of interested buyers.

Beveland Lodge, will go under the hammer on August 11 by property agents, Dedman, and is expected to fetch up to £170,000.

The 16 residents of the Beveland Road home, aged between 76 and 98, will be forced to find a new home when it shuts its doors on July 30.

Last Christmas, the privately-run home was transferred to the control of management company Buchler Phillips, by its previous owner, Bill Davidson, who was declared bankrupt.

However, attempts by Buchler Phillips to find a buyer failed and the home is now being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Simon Mellish, spokesman for Dedman, said the firm had received a great deal of interest in the property. He said: "We have already had lots of interest in Beveland Lodge, including a number of offers. Dozens of enquiries have been made, which is pleasing as the marketing has not really started yet."

Catalogues will be issued at the beginning of August.

Mr Mellish added: "We ran an advert last week and interest has just spiralled from there. The property will be sold on the day and I would expect the bidding to be feverish, judging by the amount of interest." Beveland Lodge, has been open for 13 years and is thought to be one of the first on the island.

Staff are working closely with social services to try and rehome the 16 disappointed residents as soon as possible and with the least disruption.

However, fears have been raised that they may have to move away from Canvey as other nearby care homes are already full. The auction will be at the Cumberland Suite in Pembury Road, Westcliff on August 11.

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