RESIDENTS are fighting plans to demolish their homes as part of the Government's Decent Homes programme.

Eighty-three homeowners and tenants have signed an online petition on the Downing Street website, calling for their prefab estate in Catford, built after the Second World War, to be saved.

Under the Decent Homes programme all council-owned properties should be dry, safe and warm, have a modern bathroom and kitchen and be in a good state of repair.

According to a Lewisham Council survey, none of the 187 bungalows on the Excalibur Estate in Downham meet the standard.

A report discussed the Mayor Steve Bullock and top councillors states it should not be refurbished as this would not represent value for money.

It would cost £8.4m over the next 30 years to deal with repairs and improvements.

Because of this, the estate has been earmarked for demolition and is in the process of being transferred to housing association London and Quadrant (L&Q), which will redevelop the site.

Residents will be balloted in May next year on whether they want L&Q as their landlord.

Mr Bullock also agreed for council officers to work with L&Q, residents and their independent tenant adviser on the design proposals for the site.

If demolition goes ahead, residents could be rehoused in a new home on the same site or be made a high priority for a move elsewhere.

Freeholders can also choose either option or sell their home through a "buy back" scheme.

Residents have formed the Worried Tenants' Group to fight the plans.

Jim Blackender, of Pelinore Road, Catford said: "We will fight this all the way.

"They will have to bulldoze us or use bailiffs to get us out.

"We feel we are being ousted unnecessarily. The repairs could be carried out and this village estate could be saved."

Mr Blackender, 53, added: "I believe there will be an overwhelming no vote in the ballot."