Colchester Council needs to spend £5.2million to bring sheltered housing schemes up to scratch, it has been revealed.

Figures have been released showing it will recoup £1.6million by selling Joyce Brooks House in Oxford Road, Colchester and Abbeygate House in St Johns Green, Colchester.

But has not revealed how it will find the remaining £3.6million needed.

A decision on the closures will be made at a cabinet meeting on October 12.

Bobby Hunt, a Colchester United legend who lives at Joyce Brooks House, said: “We do not understand how a price can be put on Joyce Brooks House when the decision to sell it cannot be made until October 12.

It is also considering selling Plum Hall in Berechurch Road, Colchester.

“It will be strongly opposed.

“We are very very disappointed and the tenants will fight this right to the end.”

Mr Hunt, 68, said residents had invited all 60 members of Colchester Council to visit them and see the house for themselves on Saturday*October 8* and Sunday*oct9*.

Colchester Council says it would be easier to sell the schemes than converting them to make them up to standard.

The council also wants to upgrade Harrison Court in West Mersea; Enoch House in Greenstead, Colchester; Britannia Court in Wivenhoe, and Worsnop House, Old Heath, Colchester.

It will mean residents will not have to live in bedsits with shared bathrooms.

Figures released by the authority estimate Joyce Brooks House could sell for £650,000 and Abbeygate House, £925,000.

Tim Young, councillor with responsibility for housing and community services, insisted the money would be available for the upgrades.

He added the risk of the homes it wants to sell remaining on the market for a long time, or fetching less than £1.6 million, had also been considered.

He said: “We are very confident they are in a good location, would meet the demand and a sale would be likely even in the current circumstances.”

Letters were sent to residents earlier this month informing them of the sheltered housing plans.

Many residents have expressed concerns about moving to other schemes.