MP gives backing to OAPs fearing eviction

More than 30 elderly residents at Roxburgh House, Locks Heath, face an uncertain future with the fate of their homes in the balance.

With the threat of demolition hanging over their heads, Fareham MP Mark Hoban is calling for the right decision to be made as quickly as possible.

He has vowed to write again to the housing association which owns the complex in a bid to speed up the process.

As reported in the Daily Echo last week, the 32 pensioners moved to the sheltered accommodation in St Michael's Road thinking they would spend their last years there.

But lack of demand for bedsits and the need for social housing forced Hampshire Voluntary Housing Association (HVHA) to launch a review into its future, which could see it demolished.

This has caused great distress for all the residents, who over the years have built up close friendships with their neighbours.

The fear of having to pack up and move once more and being separated from this close-knit family has become unbearable.

Mr Hoban said he had great sympathy with their plight but warned that although a quick solution would eradicate the uncertainty, it may mean they are scattered across the borough.

He said: "I understand the residents' concerns about the uncertainty and none of us like the uncertainty hanging over us and this has been going on since July last year.

"But what is important is to make the right decision for the future of the residents who live in Roxburgh House and it would be a quick answer to move them out straight away but that might leave them scattered rather than together, which is what they want.

"They need to strike the right balance between removing the uncertainty but making the right decision for the long term for the people living there.

"I will write again to HVHA and ask for an update to agree a move as speedily as possible."

HVHA insist no decision has been made but demolition is one of the options. The issue will be discussed at its next board meeting in July.