TENANTS of a block of flats earmarked for demolition at Somerford say they are being left in limbo over Christmas with no news of when and where they will be moving.

Landlords Twynham Housing Association dropped the demolition bombshell in September, telling the 17 families living at Cheviot Court they would have to leave by the end of the year.

As the first part of a multi-million pound revamp of the Somerford estate, Twynham wants to replace the three-storey Cheviot Court block in Dorset Road with up to 30 new homes.

But despite being offered £4,500 to pack their bags by the end of December, none of the tenants has yet been offered alternative housing or a moving date.

And with the building condemned to demolition, repairs are not being carried out while vandalism and anti-social behaviour is spiralling in and around the flats.

"If they want us out so badly, why haven't they found us suitable accommodation?" said young mum Claire Smith.

"We have no objection to them knocking this down and putting something else up," said widowed Jean Frampton, 63, who has lived at her Cheviot Court flat for more than 30 years.

She added: "They say they can only give us what is available, but I am disabled and need a ground floor flat. I am not moving unless I am happy with what they are offering.

"We know we are going to have to move but we don't know where we are going, what we are getting or when."

While Christmas is looking bleak for families with their possessions packed for moving, parents also face uncertainty over where their children will be going to school or nurseries in the new year.

Grange ward councillor Julie Petrie has taken up their case with Twynham and town hall housing officials.

"I feel sorry for them not knowing whether they are going to move out before Christmas. They re not being told anything and I am trying to get an answer for them," she said.

Twynham managing director Marion Franks said: "Now we've met with each of the residents and have an idea of where they would like to move to, and what type of property they would like, we're working with the borough council to find these properties between now and January."

"We're trying our best to minimise stress and disturbance, and are offering £4,400 to assist residents with their move, once we've found them the right properties.

"We are not out to upset people. We just want to get it right first time."