Greenwich Labour councillors and Nick Raynsford MP have joined forces to stop more than 70 elderly people being forced out of the Almshouses.

The historic housing development is on the corner of Greenwich High Road and Greenwich South Street and was built for the borough's poor elderly people in 1818.

They provide 40 self-contained one-bedroom cottages. Also on the estate is Lambard House, built in 1967, which consists of 28 self-contained flats, eight of which have a second bedroom.

But the owners, Drapers’ Company, recently told residents that at some stage they will give them 12 months’ notice to leave without giving any details on what alternative accommodation would be made available to them.

Labour Greenwich West Councillor David Grant said:“The Almshouses currently house over 70 residents who have lived in our area for decades. They enable residents to remain active in our local community and the owners have failed to consult us, Greenwich Council or our local MP Nick Raynsford of their plans.”

Fellow Labour Greenwich West Councillor Maureen O’Mara added “These local residents are being treated appallingly and our petition, which local shops are eager to make available, will show the strength of feeling locally against Drapers’ Company’s plans and encourage them to think again.

"Ward councillors will fight the sale of these Almshouses and put the interests of residents first."

For more information please contact Michael Stanworth on 07974 300 509.