A decision to cut council housing as part of the refurbishment of landmark tower blocks is an act of social cleansing, a meeting heard.

At a meeting last night organised by group Focus E15 Mothers, there were strong criticisms of a council decision to include private homes as part of the development of Fredd Wigg and John Walsh towers in Montague Road, Leytonstone.

The group, which previously fought against evictions from Carpenters Estate in Stratford, met with residents yesterday at the Epicentre, in West Street, Leytonstone.

At a cabinet meeting on November 11, Waltham Forest council agreed to cut the number of homes provided to council tenants from 234 to 160 as part of the project, arguing it was necessary to generate funds for the project.

Campaigner Jasmine Stone said: “On the Carpenters estate we were given a right to return but it was a lie because there were not enough properties to return to.

“I believe the same thing will happen here and it is social cleansing and absolutely disgusting, everyone can stand together to fight this.

“Today is about raising awareness and we want everyone in the two blocks to understand what is being done.”

The towers are to be refurbished over six years with a building to be erected between the existing blocks, which overlook Wanstead Flats.

Some of the new flats will be sold on the open market to fund three-quarters of the £40million required for the project.

Sonia Mckenzie, of Tenants’ Action Group, who has lived in Fred Wigg tower for over 20 years, said everyone in the towers had already received a housing application form to fill out.

She said: “From the start the consultation was about their option and our opinions have not been listened to, I think there are many people in the blocks who are frightened to speak out.

“We have been treated like dirt under their shoe and the council has disregarded us, there is nothing wrong with the block and I don’t want to lose my home.”

Waltham Forest cabinet member for housing, Labour Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, said Focus E15 Mothers were “scaremongering”.

He said a consultation with residents found many had backed the plans and the renovation is needed to provide better homes, adding over half of the flats are currently overcrowded.

A further public meeting has been arranged for 7pm on February 24 at the Epicentre.