A father today blamed the council for the disruption he and his family have endured since demolition work started in his road.

Council tenant Rodney Adams, 34, of Little Gypps Close, Canvey, and his wife and young child were promised the windows in their house would be replaced more than a year ago.

However, he and 13 other bungalows in the same road are still waiting even though houses in the surrounding streets have had double glazing put in.

To make matters worse, demolition work has started on a council-owned building in Little Gypps Close creating noise, dust and general disruption to their lives.

Mr Adams said: "I think the council has made a blunder as it should have put new windows in our houses first to cut out some of the noise and disruption from the demolition work."

However, the council said it has good reason for not putting the windows in yet.

Council housing officer Ann Johnson said: "When we went to put in new windows we found structural work needed to be done to support the new windows.

"That would have added an extra £8,000 on top of the windows, which we could not afford.

"The residents will be fitted with new windows in April.

"As many of the residents are elderly, we prefer to do the work when the weather is warmer to cut down on their discomfort."

Published Thursday November 14, 2002

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