The demolition of a sheltered housing scheme is set to start next spring, it has been announced.

Last year, senior councillors voted for Honeycroft, in Waldegrave Way, Lawford, to be bulldozed.

The decision to close the building was taken in March last year as it was under- occupied.

Despite the building being closed and now having no residents, it is costing Tendring Council more than £84,000 a year in maintenance and other charges.

Knocking down the building will cost up to £250,000, but about £37,000 will be saved by the council each year.

A Tendring Council spokesman said site visits have recently been taking place at Honeycroft for potential contractors who would carry out the demolition work.

“In line with the earlier cabinet decision Honeycroft is to be demolished, and to accomplish this in line with our procurement rules we need to invite tenders from contractors to carry out the work,” he added.

“To allow potential contractors to accurately assess the work required, and the cost of that work, we are conducting site visits.

“It is anticipated that demolition work will begin in the spring in line with that process.”

He said there are no current plans by the council to build on the land after the demolition.

Residents of the remaining bungalows on the site will be kept updated on the demolition, which may cause some disruption over a short period of time.

They will not be knocked down.