Twenty Ribbleton flat tenants told to move out

The properties, run by Community Gateway Association, are needed so they can be turned into two-bedroomed houses.

The 26 flats - 20 are currently occupied - are on Rothwell Crescent, Ribbleton.

Preston-based CGA says all tenants are to be rehoused.

Tenant John Jarvis, 63, said: “I’ve been here 20 years this year. I didn’t want to move at all. They came and explained it. You just have to accept it.

“They said you get £6,100 compensation and £500 for inconvenience.”

Mr Jarvis said he suffered with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“I can’t get about,” he said. “If they move me away where there’s no bus pass, I’m jiggered.”

Tenant Archie Buchanan, 64, said he did not want to move. He said: “I’ve lived here twelve years. Last year I had a stroke and was diagnosed with cancer. It’s a bit of a shock.”

He said he was offered £6,100 to move.

Louise Mattinson, executive director of customers and communities, said there was a shortage of two bedroomed family homes in that particular area.

She said: “Every tenant has been offered compensation in order to move and will be rehoused.

The compensation is split into two parts, a Home Loss payment which is a prescribed amount stipulated by central government, and a disturbance payment which is to cover reasonable expenses incurred in the move.

“CGA will be facilitating the move, and whilst we would want to avoid any unnecessary delays, we have no absolute deadline for when this needs to be completed.”