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Dozens of veterans living in accommodation next to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium are in danger of eviction.
Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions was established in 1915 to provide accommodation for infantrymen returning from war.
It is last home to 42 veterans, some of whom served in Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, among others.
In October, Chelsea Football Club submitted an £80m bid for the site.
It is understood the sale is set to be finalised early this year. The CEO of the charity Stoll, which owns the complex, said no veteran would face homelessness.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, of the 157 flats at Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions, only about 20 would be retained under Chelsea’s plans.
Those with guaranteed rents will be rehoused, with Stoll’s support, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. However, those who have lived in the complex for less than five years will want to make their own arrangements.
Resident Guy Cholerton, who served in Northern Ireland and in the First Gulf War, told BBC London he feared becoming homeless.
The 56-year-old said: “What worries me most is becoming homeless and the negative effects this can have on my intellectual capacity, as many citizens here suffer. “
The board at Hammersmith and Fulham have suggested Chelsea FC and Stoll suspend the sale while a viable solution for the veterans is discovered.
There are a variety of on-site amenities, adding a common domain and medical center, the latter serving 6,500 patients in the community.
Stoll’s boss Will Campbell-Wroe explained the sale would secure the “long-term financial sustainability” of the charity.
“The truth is that it is not viable in the long term and many apartments cannot be renovated,” he said.
“We know that the news has had a huge impact on our citizens and we understand the anxiety and uncertainty this will cause for many.
“That’s why we’re committed to helping each and every resident find select housing and will provide more highlights in the coming weeks. We’re not going to leave our veterans homeless, and no veteran will be left homeless.
“Supporting our citizens is of the utmost importance to us and we appreciate the commitment of those who support this goal. “
Chelsea and Fulham Conservative MP Greg Hands said he welcomed the “intervention” of Hammersmith and Fulham council because “anything the council can do to relocate [tenants], to provide them with housing. . . It would be a smart solution. “
“I have known the people of Stoll for many years and they are other people who deserve to be taken care of; It’s other people who have served their country in other conflicts,” he said.
Mr Hands added: “I think it was difficult and probably not economical to refurbish the properties; that was definitely an issue.”
Listen to BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Submit your article concepts to hellobbclondon@bbc. co. uk.
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