RESIDENTS in Gorse Ride South will be consulted on the future of the estate after a demolition order was served on some properties.

RESIDENTS in Gorse Ride South will be consulted on the future of the estate after a demolition order was served on some properties.

Wokingham Borough Council placed the order, which suspends a tenant’s right to buy, at the meeting of the executive on Thursday, May 28.

The council says the homes are outdated, have poor insulation and some have substandard kitchens and bathrooms.

Some tenants were outraged by the decision but now have a chance to have their say on the plans.

Executive member for planning and highways John Kaiser said: “We have a preferred option which is to redevelop the area but that is not set in stone and it’s important that we gather views from everybody in the area.

“We understand that we are talking about people’s homes here and will treat everybody as an individual with individual concerns.

“This is a huge issue and we will be making ourselves available to all tenants and homeowners to discuss their individual concerns.

“It is also important to note that we are talking about houses for future generations and this could be an opportunity to create great homes in a great community for generations to come.” Wokingham Borough Council has said it will approach the 43 vulnerable residents of Cockayne Court, in Gorse Ride South, individually.

The council will also be holding a drop-in session for members of the public to talk to council officers and members.

Owner-occupiers can attend a session on Wednesday, August 26, in the FBC Centre.

Tenants have a choice of four sessions. There will be two tomorrow (Thursday), the first between 2pm and 4pm at the FBC Centre, the second between 6pm and 8pm at Gorse Ride Infant School.

The other sessions will be on Thursday, August 20. Both will be in the FBC Centre, the first between 2pm and 4pm, the second between 6pm and 8pm.

The consultation is open until Friday, August 28. An email address set up to help residents, gorserideconsultation@wokingham.gov.uk will be open until Monday, September 21.