Residents of a sheltered housing complex, set to close in April, are being given priority for vacancies at a similar complex nearby which is being refurbished.

A number of reasons were given to those living in Chellowfield Court off Haworth Road in Heaton by social housing provider Incommunities when it announced plans in September to shut down the flats. These included structural issues and the high costs of modernising the complex.

Now it has emerged nearby North Dean House, which was purpose-built seven years earlier than Chellowfield Court yet contains no bedsits, is being refurbished instead.

John Mason, a resident of Chellowfield Court, told the Telegraph & Argus: “The majority of Chellowfield Court residents have lived in the Haworth Road area for most of their lives and want to stay in the area.”

In a report outlining the reasons for the decision to close down Chellowfield Court, Harry Whittle, director of support services at Incommunities, said: “As this may have come as a disappointment to residents, a key priority has been to try to minimise anxiety and distress and be supportive, open and transparent.”