Families in Watford have been given just nine days' notice to evacuate their homes for up to a year amid safety concerns.

Residents living in Cygnet House and Plover House were told by Watford Community Housing (WCH) they must leave their homes by February 18 after the buildings' contractors raised concerns over "structural defects".

Residents are understandably in turmoil. Faced with a tight deadline, they navigate three challenging options: staying with loved ones, accepting temporary accommodation provided by WCH, or finding alternative housing with potential cost support.

While WCH promises assistance with moving costs, storage, and even covering rent for new accommodations, the unknown duration of the displacement adds significant stress. With families of various sizes residing in the 23 affected homes, ranging from one to two bedrooms, navigating suitable and sustainable solutions will be complex.

Local councillor Amanda Grimston is involved, supporting residents and ensuring WCH provides all possible assistance.

Drone footage shows the A41 near Cygnet House and Plover House in Meriden.

NEWS: Dozens of families in Watford are facing a sudden and stressful upheaval. On Friday, they received news that their homes, Cygnet and Plover House, were deemed unsafe due to structural concerns. With just nine days' notice, they must evacuate by Sunday and face the prospect of being displaced for up to a year.

The cause? Building engineers identified worrying defects, prompting Watford Community Housing (WCH) to take this "difficult but necessary" precautionary measure. The full extent of the problem and necessary repairs remain unclear, but intrusive surveys and construction work are inevitable.

Residents are understandably in turmoil. Faced with a tight deadline, they navigate three challenging options: staying with loved ones, accepting temporary accommodation (hotels) provided by WCH, or finding alternative housing with potential cost support.

Uncertainty adds to the burden. While WCH promises assistance with moving costs, storage, and even covering rent for new accommodations, the unknown duration of the displacement adds significant stress. With families of various sizes residing in the 23 affected homes, ranging from one to two bedrooms, navigating suitable and sustainable solutions will be complex.

Local councillor Amanda Grimston is actively involved, supporting residents and ensuring WCH provides all possible assistance. However, the situation highlights the vulnerability of tenants and the challenges posed by unexpected housing emergencies.

Meriden Ward councillor Amanda Grimston said that she was in touch with some of those who will have to leave their homes and are currently trying to work out where they can stay, adding that “Watford Community Housing are doing everything possible to help and support the residents”.