Elderly residents of Watford housing association bungalows "broke down in tears" at the prospect of losing their homes in a new 32-flat development.

Watford Community Housing Trust propose knocking down 10 bungalows in Hemming Way, in the Leavesden Green Estate, to build the new flats blocks.

But residents, who would likely be moved into sheltered accommodation, say they will be destroying "perfectly good housing".

Malcom Stubbs, who lives in Hemming Way, said: "We have been appalled by the way the trust has acted in such haste in trying to persuade the residents to leave their homes.

"Within a fortnight of the first meeting someone had been moved into sheltered accommodation.

"One chap was in tears as he packed his belongings.

"These people were part of a community and the trust is destroying it."

The housing trust has offered £5,000 compensation for residents who will be displaced and said the bungalows are too small for modern standards.

Planning permission for the development is still awaited by Watford Borough Council.

Stanborough councillor Keith Crout said it was a "poor reflection on society" to ask elderly people to sacrifice their homes.

Mr Crout said: "It was a very tearful first meeting where the trust gave the impression that they were very much at the early stages of the scheme.

"Then we learn that their officers have been in to persuade the tenants to pack up and go.

"These are small one bedroomed bungalows but they have always been in demand and are well liked.

"I see no purpose in destroying perfectly good housing. If you accept the Watford Community Housing Trust argument then you might as well tear down all the existing houses and replace them with flats.

"Of course there is a demand for more homes but I think it is a poor reflection on society when we are prepared to ask elderly people to make such a sacrifice at a time in their lives when they are looking for a bit of peace and security."

But Euan Barr, head of new business at Watford Community Housing Trust, said the new homes will be bigger, better and cheaper to heat.

He said: "The Trust takes its responsibility to provide more homes to meet the council’s needs very seriously.

"There is no easy time to replace our older residents’ homes, but many of the tenants affected by our Hemming Way project have taken the opportunity to move to homes that they feel are better and more suitable for them.

"While the current bungalows are 20 per cent below space standards, the new homes will be bigger, better and cheaper to heat.

"Existing residents have priority to move back to the new development."