Bolsover District Council wants to replace 108 council homes for the elderly in Langwith Junction, Bolsover and New Houghton with properties which meet the Government's Decent Homes standard –– which all social housing is required to meet by 2010.

A group of around 40 residents from affected roads in Langwith Junction, including Albine Road and Highfield Avenue, attended a public meeting on Friday.

They were told the council cannot afford the £7.1m needed to refurbish the existing properties to the required standard.

Instead council bosses will replace them with bigger, more efficient homes –– although there will be more people living in the same space.

Some residents are angry about the thousands of pounds they have spent on home improvements only for the buildings to be knocked down.

But Peter Campbell, head of housing for the council, explained that the 'prefab' housing would last only 20 years even if it was refurbished.

He told residents: "While I would recognise that they are popular, we also recognise that as responsible landlords we have got a housing stock that is deteriorating and probably not suitable for 21st Century living."

And 62-year-old Margaret Newton, of Highfield Avenue, said she was pleased with the council's response to residents' questions.

"We did want to keep them, but obviously it is virtually impossible," she said. "This is the only option and I was glad to hear they are going to send someone around to speak to us about what we want.

"Everything we wanted to ask they answered –– the only thing I'm worried about is the size of my garden because there will be more houses."

Further meetings are being held to explain the plans to Bolsover and New Houghton householders.

The first stage of work is due to start in early 2009 and the project will be complete two years later.