Eviction threat to OAPs put on ice

Eastleigh Housing Association has withdrawn an application to demolish bungalows in Pitmore Close, Allbrook, and replace them with blocks of flats and houses.

But the company has said they plan to submit a new application after further consultation with residents.

The Daily Echo reported in June how pensioners were disgusted they faced eviction so the housing group could build 11 three-bedroom houses and eight two-bedroom flats in their close.

Now they are outraged that the threat of being forced to move out continues to hang over their heads.

Resident Edith Lidstone said: "We're still scared we could be evicted. It's at the back of our minds all the time and we don't want that."

The pensioners vowed they would take their case to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott if the association would not guarantee they could stay in their homes.

Neighbour Ivy Kathleen Moody, 77, said: "We've had enough. I'm not going to be pushed around any more. We're going to get a solicitor and go up to London.

"If we're given a written guarantee we can stay we'll stop fighting, but until then we'll carry on as long as there's breath left in our bodies."

Eastleigh North councillor Chris Thomas said he was glad the plans had been retracted but could give no assurance the housing association would not make another application in the future.

He said: "I think elderly residents should be given security of tenure but it's out of my hands."

A spokesman for Eastleigh Housing Association said: "The application to build flats on Pitmore Close has been withdrawn to give more time to reflect on the local responses we've had.

"Residents should not think they can rest easy. We will resubmit after we've had time to reflect on local feedback.

"It's important that we listen to residents' views and undertake meaningful consultation."

She gave no indication how consultation could change any future plans to develop land at Pitmore Close.