The regeneration of Kytes Drive in Watford has left one man fearing moving at his age is a “death sentence”.

During a residents’ meeting, the people who live in the cul-de-sac’s 56 bungalows were told they would temporarily have to move as Anchor Homes wants to build replacement homes on the site.

The majority of the road’s residents are people with disabilities who rent homes from Anchor.

Two have told the Watford Observer they have not been given a timeline of when they will be moved and where to.

Emma Martin, operations manager at Kytes Drive, said it plans to try and keep as many residents as possible in their homes until the new ones are built. But she also did not provide a timeline of when the work would start.

Bob Sparks, 70, who lives with his blind wife, said: “I’m frustrated at being treated this way.

Watford Observer: Bob and Val SparksBob and Val Sparks (Image: Mr Sparkes)

“People on the estate have been waiting for repairs to be carried out on their homes but it hasn’t been done, I believe it's because they want to knock the houses down.”

He is particularly concerned as the house has been set up to suit his wife’s needs and worries that the temporary and the new home that will be built for them might not be right.

“I’m 70 years of age, moving is a death sentence,” he said.

One of his neighbour’s, Maggie Cook, 73, has lived on the road with her disabled husband for 53 years.

Watford Observer: Maggie CookMaggie Cook (Image: Maggie Cook)

She has a strong sentimental attachment to the home because her daughter, who passed away last year, created a painting on the garden wall.

She said: “There are so many things around the garden with her memory and they are going to pull it down.

“They say they will build like for like, so why not leave us where we are.

"It is degrading not telling us where we will move.”

Operations manager Ms Martin said: “Providing something new will give us the opportunity to develop homes which are modern and meet higher environmental standards, which in turn will reduce energy costs.” 

She added if the build goes ahead, it will be done in phases and the housing organisation will work closely with the residents.