A MYSTERY campaigner has distributed leaflets containing ‘factually incorrect’ statements about the possible closure of the Sherborne Almshouse.

The trustees of the retirement accommodation, in Half Moon Lane, have hit back at claims in the document, and vowed to respond to all ‘appropriate and relevant’ questions.

It comes after residents were told they could lose their homes amid a financial crisis at the venue, run by St John’s, after the Covid pandemic. Read our first story on the potential closure here.

The leaflet, which has been produced and distributed anonymously in the town, also contained personal contact details of trustees.

“The trustees are aware of the leaflet that was printed anonymously and distributed in Sherborne more than 10 days ago,” a spokesperson said.

“It contains statements that are factually incorrect. We have taken professional advice on this matter and we’re unable to comment further on the claims made at this stage.

“We would like it to be known that the email address and telephone number given for the chair of trustees were personal ones and should not be used by members of the public for contacting the chair on almshouse business.”

It added: “However, on a positive note, we’ve heard from many members of the public now as a result of the flyer and have had some very encouraging and constructive dialogue with them.

“We’ve always been very happy to hear from anyone who wishes to contact us and continue to do so. We would like to refer them to our website for all our contact details.

“The trustees will answer all appropriate and relevant requests that are made.”

The leaflet hits out at ‘poor management and oversight’ of the historic almshouse, which has provided accommodation to those in need for 600 years.

“A tradition of over half a millennia is at risk,” it said.

“Existing elderly residents, many of whom have sold their homes or made significant financial decisions on the assumption of a secure future at St John’s, now face eviction.”

It went on: “The decision to close is taking place without sufficient public consultation and has been made by unelected trustees who have inadequately managed an institution that enjoys an income from several lucrative commercial properties, as well as its residents.

“St John’s is simply too important for these changes to happen without public involvement.”

The almshouse trustees revealed to staff and residents in January they were consulting over the future of the accommodation, as the finances had proved to be ‘unsustainable’ after the Covid pandemic.

A decision over the building’s future is expected at the end of February or early in March.