The tallest block of flats in Penzance is now empty, a year after its residents were told they’d have to find new homes to make way for its demolition.

Housing association LiveWest says it is now “exploring options for the future of the site”.

Residents of Fountain Court were told last October they had up to eight months to move out of their sheltered housing accommodation to allow for the building to be knocked down, as the 1960s flats no longer met “modern building standards or energy efficiency expectations”.

They were informed 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.

The building incorporated 22 sheltered housing flats for people aged over 55. Despite the concerns of some of the residents, who didn’t want to be moved, the block is now empty with ground floor windows and the main entrance sealed.

Martin Pellow lived in the top-floor three-bedroom maisonette for five years with partner Linda Dyett. The couple, who are both in their 70s, didn’t want to move as they said their flat had the best view in Penzance, looking across from various windows to St Michael’s Mount and Marazion, Penlee lifeboat station and Newlyn, and up to St Just.

He said last year: “I believe this move will kill some of the residents. Most of them are aged in their 80s and have built up a lovely community in the building where there’s a lovely community room. They’ve got everything they need here and now they’re going to put them all over the place.”

However, a spokesperson for the housing association said that all the residents are now settled in new homes.

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James Reseigh, director of neighbourhoods for LiveWest, said: “When we took the difficult decision to decommission Fountain Court, our priority was to support the residents living in the scheme. We have successfully found new homes for all of our residents and provided support to ensure everyone has settled into their new homes.

“We really appreciate the patience our residents have shown in allowing us time to find a home that best suits their needs. The site is now fully secure and we are exploring options for the future of the site.

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