Lib Dem councillors have criticised a Watford housing association for "very badly handling" the way it unveiled possible regeneration options for the Meriden estate to residents.

Councillor Kareen Hastrick has thrown her weight behind residents groups questioning a scheme by Watford Community Housing Association to possibly knock down existing houses and build at least 90 new homes in the estate.

She said it was "disgusting" the trust told tenants they might lose their homes just hours before a public meeting with a first look at regeneration proposals for the north Watford estate.

And she urged the housing association to leave the central green space on the Meriden alone and find an alternative site for new housing.

But the trust maintains residents are being consulted and no firm plans for the redesign of the estate have been drawn up.

Councillor Hastrick said: "I was disgusted that the trust informed residents living in The Turnstone and York Way bungalows they would have to move - just hours before a meeting on the plans. 

"Tenants were told they would only have the option of bidding on one-bedroom properties - essentially flats - nothing like their current residences which they had bid on as they didn’t want to live in flats.

"Watford Community Housing Trust declared that the current bungalows are too small, however the tenants had accepted the size of the bungalows on moving into them. 

"Very badly handled all round."

Ms Hastrick echoed residents’ fears the social service the shops currently provide would be lost in the changes to the estate, add to traffic problems and remove green space.

She said: "Residents are aware of the need for housing, however they are keen for the trust to look at alternative sites to their central green space."

Ms Hastrick continued: "Meriden residents are concerned that the heart of Meriden estate, the Shops, will not stay in a similar format to that now standing.

"Many are reliant on the shops being local - especially with the bus services that serve Meriden - and in walking distance. The trust’s current plans involve splitting the shops around the junction of The Gossamers, The Turnstones, Meriden Way, which is extremely busy - especially with motorists using this route as a rat run to avoid The Dome.

"This will cause problems for pedestrians crossing to access the various shops."

However, the trust said a planning application would not be submitted until May.

Euan Barr, head of new business, said: "We are having an ongoing consultation with residents about all aspects of where we might improve the Meriden. This included a very positive and productive training workshop this week with local residents about design. We considered Meriden priorities including homes, open space and the shops.

"We shall continue with our meetings in 2015 to allow residents to be involved in the evolution of the design. There are no firm plans as yet, and we do not expect to make a planning application until May 2015. 

"We know the shops are very important to the local community and we are committed to replacing them, building something better for local people. They would be in the heart of the estate as they are now.

"All of the initial options include central green space and we would intend to provide this in the context of much improved traffic calming. As details are worked up, the planning department will require from us a full transport and parking assessment to ensure that we meet future needs."