ELDERLY residents of a sheltered housing scheme in Swindon have been told they are all being moved out because the building is going to be demolished

George Gay Gardens was built nearly half a century ago, but is no longer fit for purpose, says Swindon Borough Council.

This week it broke the news officially to occupants of the 48 flats.

Some were so upset at the break-up of their community they burst into tears.

But the council has reassured them that they won’t be out on the street and some will be able to stay with their friends.

Lucy Birch, 73, moved in four years ago and made friends quickly.

“It is upsetting, but there is nothing you can do about it,” she said.

“Some of them have been here for ages. One of my neighbours was so upset she was crying.”

“I’m going to miss my friends. We used to do bingo, we’ve had a few good social nights here, we have karaoke once a month. We try to have get-togethers and it used to be great.”

Albert Binks, who works as a cleaner, had been on the council housing list for four years. He said it had been impossible to get private rented accommodation when he was on a zero hours contract.

He was given a place six months ago and was only too pleased to be able to make it his own.

Although he had been reassured he would not be out on the street, it was the upheaval of moving that he was not looking forward to.

Fellow resident Carole Coates said: “It’s like starting all over again..”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “We are very mindful that these aren’t just buildings, but people’s homes, and some residents will have been neighbours with others for some time.

“We have up to a year to re-house everyone and we are confident that those residents who wish to move to new accommodation with their friends will be able to do so.

"We are supporting each resident personally and the moves will not cost them any money. The majority of residents are also eligible for home loss payments of £5,800, and the remainder will receive £1,000.”

He told the Advertiser: “George Gay Gardens is being demolished for two main reasons.

“Firstly, it was built 50 years ago and doesn’t meet modern standards for sheltered accommodation, having steep stairs and some homes in a bedsit design, and it’s not energy efficient.

"Secondly, it will allow us to build new care accommodation and much-needed new council homes to help tackle the waiting list for properties.”