Flats marked for demolition remain empty a year on

Fountain Court was built in the 1960s

The tallest block of flats in Penzance is still empty a year after its residents were told they must move out to make way for its demolition.

Housing association LiveWest said it was “exploring options for the future" of Fountain Court, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Residents of the 22 flats were told in October 2022 they had to move out of their sheltered housing accommodation block to allow for the building to be knocked down as it no longer met “modern building standards or energy efficiency expectations”.

A spokesperson for the housing association said all the residents had been settled in new homes.

The 1960s building incorporated sheltered housing for people aged over 55.

People living there were told they could choose one of LiveWest’s vacant homes and would not need to register with Cornwall Council’s Homechoice Register to find a new place to live.

Despite their moving out, the block remains empty, with ground floor windows and the main entrance sealed.

James Reseigh, director of neighbourhoods for LiveWest, said: “We have successfully found new homes for all of our residents and provided support to ensure everyone has settled into their new homes.

“The site is now fully secure and we are exploring options for the future of the site".

He added: “We will be consulting with residents living near Fountain Court before any decisions are made and continue to keep the building safe."