Elderly tenants in an “unpopular” Collier Row sheltered housing block are to be moved into better homes by Havering Council.

The council’s 1970s complex Delderfield House, in Portnoi Close, is disliked because the bedsits do not have their own baths or showers.

Eighteen of the 34 rooms are empty as a result.

Now 16 OAPs in the northern section will be moved out in about 18 months’ time.

They received letters on Friday inviting them to meetings with council staff.

“The reaction was a little panic to start with,” a council spokesman said, “but once things were explained people, generally, were happy and looking forward to going somewhere better.”

He added: “It is the council’s responsibility to re-house the residents and the council will work very closely with them to identify suitable alternative properties.”

Residents, who come form across the borough, will receive a home loss payment of �4,700, and the council will arrange and pay for removals, contribute towards carpets and curtains if required and any necessary adaptations needed at their new homes.

Cash from the sale of the land will be pumped into housing and regeneration schemes for OAPs.

Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for housing, said: “We want to find the residents of this housing scheme better and more comfortable accommodation to suit their needs. We understand people become settled in accommodation and that is why we will take our time to make sure we identify the right properties in convenient locations to which each resident will be happy to move to.

“These plans are good not just for these elderly residents directly affected but also for other residents too as the money we receive from the sale of this property will be reinvested in important housing improvements and regeneration schemes across the borough, including providing more extra care housing.”