A GROUP of widowed pensioners are outraged at plans to demolish their Eastleigh bungalows and replace them with new homes.

The four residents fear a proposed development by Eastleigh Housing Association to build up to 11 flats and three houses on their Monks Way plot would shatter their friendly supportive community.

Margaret Moorley, 68, who has lived on the close for 18 months, said: "It's granny bashing! I'm outraged. It's terrible we've got to move."

Neighbour Connie Goodall, 88, has relied heavily on her sister since the toes of her right foot were removed to stop her dying from a blood clot.

She is terrified of being moved away from Pat Atkinson who currently lives just yards away in neighbouring Chestnut Avenue.

She said: "I don't want to move away from my sister. She does everything for me and comes down in the evenings to see me."

June Spreadbury, 66, has similar concerns she would not be able to babysit her granddaughter Lauren.

She said: "I wouldn't be able to babysit if I had to go in a different area. She won't be able to work so she won't have any money."

Martin Brooker, regeneration manager for Eastleigh Housing Association, said his company was aware of the need for sensitivity to the needs of its tenants.

He said it would take a long time for any plans to be seen through to completion, and compensation would be provided along with the cost of moving, he said.

"It's very difficult to get four bungalows attached to each other that are vacant at the same time."

The earliest date the outline planning application for the project can be considered is September 23 at the Eastleigh Local Area Committee meeting.