A Penwortham retirement park has been sold off, with residents informed days before Christmas.

Management at Penwortham Park wrote to residents on December 22, informing them the site would be under new management with immediate effect.

The park, owned by Campbells Park Homes, houses 80 lodges for residents aged 50 and over.

But as part of a restructure of the firm – which also owns Cuerden Park in Bamber Bridge – Penwortham Park has been sold to Wyldecrest Homes.

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Some residents have criticised the move, saying they were not told of the plans.

But the new owners have reassured owners their rights and contracts will not be affected.

David Sunderland, Estates Director at Wyldecrest, said: “The contracts will not change and neither will the terms of occupancy. They are protected by law.

“We are a very experienced site operator and we aim to keep things simple.

“Any developments will be for the good of everybody.”

In the letter from Michael Campbell, the site’s owner, residents were told: “You will soon be receiving from the new owners a welcome letter with all the relevant information you will need and more detailed contact information.

“Campbells staff will no longer be available for maintenance queries.”

Wyldecrest Parks is one of the UK’s largest residential and holiday homes providers and has been running sites for more than 16 years.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “There’s a fair amount of elderly people live here and to receive this letter Saturday 22nd December I’m sure will have spoilt Christmas for some.

“The owner Michael Campbell must have known he was selling months ago.”

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Blog Preston has contacted Campbells Park Homes for comment.