VULNERABLE residents who were forced to leave a sheltered housing scheme following a legionella scare have all been found alternative accommodation.

Twelve residents at Honeycroft, in Waldegrave Way, Lawford, were told there was a potential risk of legionella at the site last week.

All 12 residents asked Tendring Council, which runs the scheme, to move out of the complex The council said they were offered one-to-one discussions to identify their individual needs and work out the best way forward.

All the costs associated with the move and any extra items needed at the temporary accommodation are being met by the council.

Paul Honeywood, cabinet member for housing, said: “Three people have decided that they want to move out of Honeycroft permanently and they have been found new places to live by the council.

“The other nine are to be housed at Kate Daniels House in Weeley or Crooked Elms in Dovercourt on a temporary basis.”

The residents had the opportunity to view where they were going to before they accepted the accommodation.

“All their specific needs are being identified and met by Tendring Council,” added Mr Honeywood.

“We will do all that we possibly can to ensure that their move is as smooth as possible.”

He said the decision to relocate residents was taken by the council following routine tests which showed that hot water was cooler than it should be, and the cold water is warmer than it should be, providing the conditions in which the legionella bacteria can grow.

The council is now awaiting the result of the tests to find out if the bacteria is present at Honeycroft.

The risk only involves the main building at Honeycroft and the bungalows are not affected as they are on a different water supply.

The age of the building, which dates back to 1961, means that it has design issues which make it difficult to control water temperatures at a safe level to minimise that bacteria growth which is naturally present in all mains water supplies.