Campaigners claim council 'jumping the gun' to demolish Cambridge homes
A further three households have since been told their home will be lost
A campaign group is hoping councillors will review their plans to demolish most of a Cambridge housing estate.
Cambridge City Council are set to demolish and redevelop all but 14 houses on Ekin Road, including six houses campaigners have vowed to save in the north-east corner of the estate.
But despite discussions with the council, three of those six households have since been told in a letter by the authority their houses will be demolished.
Dr Maurice Chiodo is from the Save Ekin Road group:
"It's jumping the gun; if there's overwhelming support to save those six houses, will the council still proceed to a planning application that demolishes those six houses?" he said.
"It's a bizarre step by the council to do this so early on.
"It shows the council's being insincere from the outset; why would you agree to meet with residents and have discussions when you turn around within seven days and say 'we're going to demolish those anyway'."
Demolition of six houses 'the right approach' - council
A spokesperson for Cambridge City Council said its initial plans were to demolish all homes on the site to "to improve accommodation standards for people living in existing council homes".
The spokesperson said the move would allow more council homes to be built "to meet local need and to address wider housing supply issues.
"As plans have evolved, it has become clear that the decision to include the six houses is the right approach."
Dr Chiodo said residents had spoken to the council around a week ago on further talks to review plans for the six houses.
Previously, the Save Ekin Road group stated it was pleased with most of the council's plans for the estate, but "remain in opposition to the proposal" until the six houses were saved.
Ekin Road 'nostalgia'
Zuzanna has lived in the area for most of her life, and backs the redevelopment.
"I think it's very good; some people can disagree because they've lived here for so long and don't want any change but for me, growing up in this area, it's time for a change and these buildings have been up for so long," she said.
"Some of our neighbours have a lot of problems with their flats that the council doesn't fix, and some people don't want that anymore and want change.
"But some people want to save Ekin Road and they grew up here, so it's nostalgic."
A fundraiser has been set up by campaigners to help fund any legal costs in opposition to Cambridge City Council's decision to go ahead with the demolition.
'Wrong place at the wrong time'
Dr Chiodo said he's had to bring tissue boxes for residents going to council meetings as "there are a lot of tears".
He hopes the six houses get a stay of execution.
"These six houses in the north-east corner are not in the way, but the council wants to sweep them up as part of a project to say it's built more houses," he added.
"These people have done nothing wrong, apart from being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"We hope the council can modify their plans slightly to accommodate building around those houses which don't affect the design and layout of the street."
Cllr Gerri Bird, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said the authority has considered "the viability of different options.
"We know this is a very difficult time for any residents involved, but we been in contact with all affected residents, including in the six houses in the east.
"We'll continue to offer one to one, bespoke support, which can include logistical support with moving, financial support for associated costs, and compensation."