PEOPLE in Hereford have been told their homes will be knocked down as the buildings have lasted 30 years longer than expected.

Herefordshire Housing wants to demolish 41 homes in Hunderton and replace them with new buildings.

The prefabricated homes on Beattie Avenue and Hunderton Road were built to last 30 years 60 years ago. Herefordshire Housing has said there has been a debate over the cost of sustaining the properties and the price of rebuilding them.

Celia Holmes, 75, and Doug Harris, 81, have lived in their bungalow for 10 years and say it is perfect for their needs.

Mrs Holmes said: “There is nothing wrong with the place. If we knew they were coming down in 10 years time we wouldn’t have come here.”

Mr Harris believes the social housing provider wants the land for the spacious back gardens.

He said: “I can’t see any sense in bringing them down. I could see it if they were falling down and didn’t have the money to maintain them, but they are not.”

Brenda Manning, 80, said she has lived in Beattie Avenue for more than 20 years and does not want the upheaval of moving at her time of life.

While Sharon Kerton, 58, who has lived there for eight years, said: “I have got a disabled 13-year-old daughter and she doesn’t like change. I haven’t mentioned anything to her yet.”

Herefordshire Housing said out of 880 bungalows in stock across Herefordshire, 44.9 percent are in Hereford, which means it will not be an issue if people want to relocate to another bungalow.

Christine Duggan, director of housing and development at Herefordshire Housing, said no plans have been made with regards to what would be built in place of the current buildings.

“Being asked to move from your home can be challenging, we’re going to assist wherever we can, on-top of the existing £5,800 compensation, we’re paying for removals, packing up services, new carpets/curtains and utility connections,” she added.

“Our customer’s housing needs will be fully met, if they have a housing need for a bungalow they’ll be offered one in an area of their choice. Once the development is complete Beattie Avenue customers will be offered first choice priority for the new homes.”

· A public consultation will be held on April 12 at the Three Counties Hotel from 12pm to 7pm.