A HOUSING association throwing over 60s out of a sheltered housing block has apologised for failing to keep the community informed of its plans for a controversial homeless hostel.

Nearly 250 concerned residents attended drop in sessions to find out about proposals for Frances Cottee Lodge, in Clarence Road, Rayleigh - despite letters being sent to just 60 surrounding homes.

Rochford Housing Association and Rochford District Council want to move elderly tenants out of 15 flats to make way for people in need of urgent temporary accommodation.

Sabrina Robertson, 39, of Hambro Close, Rayleigh, said she is worried about the affect the move could have on her grandfather - who moved in when the age restriction for Frances Cottee Lodge was lower.

She said: “My grandad, Jim, doesn’t really understand what is going on, but he lives in Frances Cottee Lodge and is over 80-years-old.

“He has been there for 30 years and I think it is absolutely disgusting that they expect them to move. I understand they need accommodation for homeless people, I have been in temporary accommodation myself, but people have been there for such a long time and to move at their age could even affect their health.”

Richard Lambourne, 63, chairman of Rayleigh Action Group, believes the residential area is not the right location for the temporary accommodation.

He said: “Publicity was limited to two leaflet drops of about 30 each time. It only got wider circulation when concerned neighbours took it upon themselves to widen the distribution by delivering another 400.

“What about the poor people living there? They are being compensated for losing their homes but what price can be put on the potential loss of independence. They are faced with being separated from long term friends.

“Although an office will be on site and people will visit daily, there will be no 24/7 caretaker or warden.

“The other concern is the children might accompany adults - will they put even more pressure on our schools?

Emma Keegan, managing director of Rochford Housing Association, said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to inform local people about our plans through sessions.

“We communicated with 60 homes around the property but recognise more people are interested and we should have communicated more widely.”

Throughout Rochford, there are 67 households in temporary accommodation - with another 28 placed outside of the district.