A MUCH needed and popular pensioner's social group could be forced to close if its meeting venue is shut.

Bewell Court Sheltered Housing Scheme Tenants and Friends meets at nearby Holly Lodge, off Broad Street for various functions. But Bromsgrove District Housing Trust has submitted plans to Bromsgrove District Council to convert the building, including the community room, into flats.

Part of the building is used as short-term hostel accomodation and some of the ground floor as a community room with facilities for Bewell Court Sheltered Housing Scheme, which does not have a social room on site, plus other older people's groups for a hire charge.

Members say they were not told about the plans and only found out when group organiser June Baillon's husband saw a notice taped to a lamp-post outside Holly Lodge. They fear the closure could mark the end of the group.

Treasurer Angela Hogan said: "The community room encourages the tenants and friends to particpate in many social activities and helps keep them from vegetating in their own homes.

"For some it has been a lifeline, getting them out to socialise as many of them live on their own."

She added: "All this will finish if the district council gives BDHT the go-ahead to convert the building into flats. A new venue is no good as the residents will not be able to get there. The group is needed so much by these people and without it many will be left in their homes alone with nothing to look forward to and no-one to talk to."

Ms Hogan said: "BDHT said it would change nothing with sheltered and very sheltered housing but now it appears to be changing everything. Is this in the name of progress for our OAPs? I think not."

The group regularly has around 20 people at meetings, plus friends and visitors, and activites include bingo, parties, and day trips.

BDHT has submitted a formal detailed planning application for schemes at Holly Lodge and Rubery Lodge, which will see eight two and one-bedroomed flats being built. Subject to planning permission, work is due to start in January.

Mike Brown, BDHT chief executive, said: "We are looking at plans to convert the council owned hostel into much needed affordable homes for rent. The current accommodation at the hostel is no longer appropriate for families desperately wanting a roof over their heads which is why we are making this move.

"Providing affordable homes is both our and the council's highest priority and to meet this growing need amongst local people, we are working to identify land and use every available opportunity."

He added: "The small social room at Holly Lodge is used once a week by two community groups. If planning permission is gained we will sit down with the two groups to talk through with them all options regarding alternative facilities. We have several venues in the locality and we are confident we can meet the needs of the groups affected."