Elderly and disabled residents of a Workington estate will no longer be able to take part in residents' meetings - its ward councillor claims.

The Moorclose Residents' Group had been holding its quarterly meetings at Laybourn House on Laybourn Court, for 25 years.

But since Castles And Coasts took over the management of the sheltered accommodation from Your Derwent And Solway, the group was told it would no longer be able to hold its meetings there.

Stephen Stoddart, secretary of the group and Allerdale ward councillor, said: "There are a lot of elderly and disabled residents who attend our meetings and they don't drive. Laybourn House was the ideal place for us to hold them because it was only a short walk for the residents. Most of our members are over 70 and I don't understand why Castles And Coasts have suddenly decided we can't hold the meetings there."

The housing association said they had reluctantly taken the decision due to safety concerns.

Karen Vickers, sheltered and supported manager at Castles And Coasts, said: "Our residents have raised a number of concerns about security at Laybourn House, and it is our priority to ensure our residents feel safe and secure in their homes at all times. We have reluctantly taken this decision for the safety and wellbeing of our residents."

But coun Stoddart said the move will prevent elderly residents from being involved in the group.

He said: "There was a suggestion we could use the community room at the fire station, but a lot of residents don't drive and are elderly or disabled. Up until now it was easy because Laybourn House was on their doorstep. We had a meeting scheduled for February 6 but I don't know if it will go ahead. It's not just about finding a suitable place, it's also the cost of it. We are a group of local people wanting to improve this area. How can a housing association abandon a residents' group, especially when most of us live in social housing."

Coun Stoddart said he was also concerned the building will no longer be used as a polling station.

He said: "I think it's discouraging people from going to vote. I know people can use a postal vote, but some people actually enjoy going to the polling station."

Allerdale council said it was reviewing its polling stations across the area and the situation in the Moorclose ward would also be looked at.

A spokesman for Allerdale council said: "In May 2017 the council’s returning officer was advised that after the General Election on 8 June, Laybourn House would no longer be available for use as a polling station. As there are no other suitable public buildings within that polling district the decision was taken that for the September 2017 Workington Town Council by-election, electors from that polling district would vote at Moorclose Community Centre.

"The council’s ward boundaries will change in May 2019 following the Local Government Boundary Commission for England’s review of Allerdale Borough Council. To prepare for this the returning officer will be undertaking a review during 2018 of all polling districts and polling stations. The situation in Moorclose will be looked at as part of that review."