A close-knit community of almost 100 pensioners will be evicted from their homes by the council to make way for a new housing development.

Many of the 85 residents of the sheltered housing scheme in Cheam Village have lived there for decades.

But last week Sutton Council told them they would all have to be rehoused as their homes were to be demolished to make way for a new development of "affordable housing".

At an emotional meeting at Elizabeth House on Tuesday, one resident shouted: "We need companionship, if you put us in one-bedroom flats you might as well throw us in prison."

Another cried: "How can you sleep at night knowing you are killing off old people?"

The homes to be knocked down are in Mickleham Gardens, Elizabeth House, Malden Road and Pond Hill Gardens.

The OAPs could be forced to leave their homes in just six months but work will not start until 2012.

One resident, Marion Rainford, 70, said: "There have been some tears shed in this past week.

"We are heartbroken at the thought of being uprooted and separated from long-standing friendships, some going back a couple of decades or more. I'm one of the young ones at 70, there are some people here in their late 90s and some with very serious heart conditions.

"The wardens have been picking up the pieces since we received these letters. We are in an ideal situation here for elderly and disabled people as the village provides us with just about every facility and amenity we need. No clambering around on buses which many of us cannot do, and always someone around to chat to. We have coffee mornings, fish and chip lunches, and bingo if you fancy it. I will do anything to try and keep us here."

Sisters Margaret Adams and MAry Silcox do not know if they will be rehoused near each other.

"I absolutely love it here," said another 68-year-old resident. "Everything you need is on your doorstep. This is all about money at the end of the day, and we are not a profitable bunch."

A council spokesman said: "The houses are not fit for purpose and it would not be cost-effective to refurbish and remodel them."