ELDERLY people will have to move out of their Trowbridge homes after West Wiltshire Housing Society decided to move younger people in.

The housing society plans to convert one wing of sheltered housing complex Manor Court to provide homes for people with learning difficulties.

The relatives of the elderly people who are having to move say the issue is not that they object to people with learning difficulties moving in but that they do not want the elderly residents to have to move out.

Of the five elderly people affected, two have already agreed to move and have been found alternative accommodation.

Rosie Stone, 82, only moved into Manor Court in January and her daughter Janet Streeter said that she cannot face moving again.

Mrs Streeter said: "I feel like I have been kicked in the teeth but I think I knew in my heart that this would go ahead.

"We are not going to accept this until we have it in black and white what they are being offered and they are happy with it."

Mrs Stone and 91-year-old Gwendoline Berrett, who has lived at Manor Court for 15 years, are waiting to see if they can stay within the complex.

Mrs Berrett's daughter, Angela Ramsden, said: "It is not a simple compromise for my mum, after 15 years and now at 91 and disabled but determined to remain independent, she just may not cope in a different flat plus the trauma of moving."

David Oakensen, chairman of West Wiltshire Housing Society, said: "It has always been the intention to keep them there unless they want to move.

"At the end of the day it is up to them to decide."

The society plans to put in a dividing wall cutting one wing off from the rest of the building, which will continue to provide sheltered housing for the elderly.

The separated wing will then provide much-needed accommodation for eight people with learning difficulties, using one-room bedsits which are generally unpopular with older people.

Mr Oakensen said: "By younger people we mean that they are under 65, they will be of all ages but we are not talking about teenagers here."

Rev Paul Barnes, of St John's Church in Upper Studley, often visits Manor Court residents and is also worried about the move.

He said: "To convert a wing to house people with learning difficulties is probably in itself a good thing, but it means that these elderly people living there will have to move and there are fears and worries about this."

There has not yet been a date set for the changes to be implemented and the elderly people re-housed, but Mr Oakensen said it is expected to take place over several months.

He said: "It is a matter of discussion with the relatives and residents, nobody is being forced out."