IT IS clear there are genuine concerns among residents in Wotton following SDC’s approval to demolish four homes and rehouse its tenants.

Both sides have valid arguments in this debate, which is most likely set to exceed the one-year timeframe to build new homes.

All three of Wotton’s Stroud district councillors support the move, favouring a need for more affordable homes.

They have made it clear that while it is a difficult decision to force residents to move, they intend to prioritise them throughout the process.

This would include placing them at the top of housing priority lists, which now stretches to nearly 3,000 people, which hopefully will provide reassurance.

It is however a shame that this move has been pushed on residents who are now in their late 70s and early 90s and have called these properties their home for several decades.

The effect of this shift could have an damaging effect on their health, which is very concerning.

Support must be in place to reduce this risk.