Demolition for Yapton home

Security fencing has been put up around the site of Warmere Court ready for the two-storey building to be knocked down.

A replacement facility will be built on the Downview Way location ready for an intended opening around the middle of next year.

The home's 36 residents were moved out earlier this monthready for the major scheme to take place.

They are temporarily living in Elizabeth House in Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis, which was only built last year.

The creation of the new Warmere Court with 40 bedrooms and an eight-place day centre attached is the biggest public building scheme in Yapton for some 17 years.

The original home was opened in 1975 with 36 bedrooms.

It has twice been at risk of closure.

These threats prompted large protests from villagers upset at the thought of losing the facility from their locality.

The first threat saw a petition of 1,900 names gathered in 1990. Seven years later, and 3,500 people signed up to keep the home from home for local people.

But the latest proposal answers those fears.

Warmere Court is now being run by Shaw Healthcare in a 45m countywide deal with West Sussex County Council.

Shaw has awarded the building contract for Warmere Court to construction firm Warings.