Last updated 16:20, Friday, 05 September 2008

RESIDENTS of Manor Court in Cockermouth have spoken of their anger that their flats are to be pulled down as part of a regeneration project.

Home Group housing association wants to knock down the flats, on Wakefield Road, because it says the 42-year-old complex is sub-standard.

The 22 residents have been told they will have to find somewhere else to live, either in Cockermouth or the surrounding area, while the work is carried out.

Home Group has promised to compensate everyone in the flats – which are for over-55s only – but residents say this will not make up for the disruption that they are facing.

The 21 properties, which include bedsit accommodation, do not have a lift and have been deemed unfit. In line with other registered social landlords, Home Group has to bring all accommodation up to the Government’s Decent Home Standards by 2010.

The new building, which will be for over-55s, will contain a lift for access to all three floors, a small lounge, offices, and a mobility scooter store.

In order to avoid any extra disruption, the housing association has agreed not to let out any of the existing flats if they become empty.

A resident of Manor Court said: “It is an awful shock to a lot of people as many of us thought this would be our home for the rest of our lives.

“I think it will be a big trauma for people to move and we do not know whether we will be with the same people when we return.

“We are terribly upset by the whole thing because we don’t know when all this is going to happen.

“I have been living here a long time, and I know people who have lived here longer. It is distressing to all of us that we will have to move.

“Home Group has offered us compensation but I do not think that will offset the trouble of moving away.”

Another resident said: “Since we found out about the plans it has been very stressful and a blow to us all.

“I do not think some people know where they are going to move to, and it is going to be a lot harder for elderly people to get around, especially if they do not drive.

“I also think it is a lot harder for many of the elderly people to integrate into different social circles, so if they move away they will be losing a lot of the people they know.

“If people are moving outside the town it will also be harder for them to come in because public transport does not seem to be that frequent.

“I think the hardest part is the uncertainty and not knowing when things are going to happen.”

A spokesman for Home Group said: “Following extensive consultation with all the residents, including meeting with the residents’ association three times, the decision has been taken to demolish the building.

“We have set up one-to-one appointments with all the residents and we hope some of these will happen next week.

“We will identify all their needs and assist them in the process of moving.

“Home Group has promised all residents who currently live in Manor Court that they will be guaranteed one of the new properties to be built in its place, all of which are proposed to be built for affordable rent.”