ALMOST half of people surveyed so far support plans to demolish Grimsby's iconic high-rise flats, it has emerged.
As reported, Shoreline has announced proposals to demolish six high-rise blocks and two blocks of maisonettes in the East Marsh area of Grimsby, including Nelson House.
If approved, a total of 638 homes – and an estimated 700 people – would be affected.
Residents of Nelson House have distributed petitions around the area urging Shoreline to think again before displacing them from their homes.
Residents said the petitions have been spread far and wide around the town, but it is not yet known how many signatures they have.
Tony Bramley, chief executive for Shoreline Housing Partnership, gave an update on the consultation period to councillors during a scrutiny panel meeting.
He said: "We have held five events at Grimsby Central Hall since May 28, and we have also hand dropped leaflets and letters explaining the situation.
"Of the 234 tenants that we have spoken to so far, 49 per cent have said they are in favour of the changes, with 46 per cent opposed.
"We have had a 60 per cent response rate from our leaseholders, and 100 per cent of them are in favour. We have had 28 responses from local businesses, and 61 per cent of them are in favour, with 39 per cent opposed.
"But the consultation period doesn't end until August 1, so we are still anxious to hear from tenants and further efforts will be made."
The housing provider has previously claimed that the cost of keeping the blocks is significantly outweighed by the cost of removing them.
Mr Bramley added: "We are very aware of the emotional attachment people have to their homes, it's not simply a case of bricks and mortar.
"But the reality is these are our most unpopular blocks to sell. The £19.3 million we have will only cover the basics, such as the leaks, the roofs, windows, lifts, bathrooms and so on.
"But they are still 1960s tower blocks acting like 1960s tower blocks. The issue isn't about the money.
"They are fantastically built buildings, in fact I know builders who have said they are the best constructed blocks they have seen in the country.
"We don't have any tricks up our sleeve, we don't have a secret buyer."
Councillor Jane Hyldon-King (Lab, Yarborough) said: "I have real concerns for the people who live in these flats.
"Not long ago we made a commitment to the current buildings, so why has no work taken place?
"There are a lot of elderly people fearful of having nowhere to go. I know one person who gave up a three-bedroom house to live in a flat there, now she's going to lose her home."
Councillor Steven Norton (Con, Humberston and New Waltham) added: "I remember the flats going up in the 1960s and there was concern back then about the loss of the community.
"But they have stood the test of time. I am just concerned about who will be moved first and how that will be decided."Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
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