In plans to build four new council houses on Abbey Road, East Riding council has proposed that 20 garages which tenants rent from it will be demolished.

At a meeting in January, its eastern area planning sub-committee approved the development – subject to a satisfactory agreement between the council and garage tenants who say they rely on the garages – and another meeting was set for yesterday after the Free Press went to press.

However, tenants received letters last Saturday telling them they would need to clear their belongings from the garages by March 23 for demolition.

Andrew Mortimer, who lives in nearby Stamford Walk, raised a 60-name petition before Christmas to save the garages.

His mother stores her mobility scooter in the garage and he says the narrow roads in the area mean garages are essential as on-street parking is out of the question.

He also believes residents’ motor insurance premiums will rise as a result of having to leave vehicles on the street.

A council spokesman said: “There are on-going discussions to try to resolve the issues raised about the garages.

“However, because of the very tight timescales set by the Government as a condition of funding, it is necessary to serve notice on the garage tenants to vacate the premises.

“In law this is two weeks but the council is endeavouring to give a little longer to give garage tenants a bit more time to make alternative arrangements.

“Notices to Quit have been served but these can be cancelled in the event of planning consent not being issued and the scheme not going ahead.”

lRead full details of the meeting’s outcome in next week’s Bridlington Free Press