RESIDENTS told how they had been offered cash incentives to move out of the high-rise flats in Seabrooke Rise, Grays.

Thurrock Council has launched a consultation to collect residents’ views on the demolition, but they already appear split on whether or not Greenwood House, Davall House and Butler House should go. A meeting revealed 48 per cent are in favour of demolition.

Younger residents with families who spoke to the Gazette are in favour. However, many older residents are strongly against.

Jean Calder, 60, of the Seabrooke Rise Steering Group and resident of Butler House, said: “There aren’t enough houses in Thurrock anyway, so why knock these ones down? And where are the promised houses?”

One resident, who has been living in Davall House for 13 years, said demolition of the buildings would destroy the community.

Mavis Troughear, an 85-year-old who has lived in Davall House for 40 years, said: “I don’t want to move. I’m beginning to get walking problems and this apartment block is perfect for me. I love this flat. I want to die in it.”

Some younger residents confirmed the council had offered £4,000 as a “moving payment” during one-to-one visits.

Siannon Scold, 22, of Butler House said: “I’m well up for moving.”

A spokesman for Thurrock Council said: “No decisions have been made and whatever happens will be driven by the residents’ choices. Residents of the area will have first refusal on the newbuild if they want it.”