A heavily pregnant woman is among tenants who will have to leave their homes earlier than expected to make way for shops.

Kayleigh Peachell and her neighbours were dismayed to find they will be evicted in the summer as their homes are to be demolished.

Tenants in the line of 12 homes in Formby Terrace, Halling, said they have known for some time about the plans but had been told nothing would happen until next year.

Ms Peachell, 28, already has a young son and has lived in the terrace for about 10 years.

She said: “I only got the letter a couple of weeks ago and the date I’ve got to get out is by June 30, my baby is due on June 1.

“I am really anxious about having a new baby and trying to find a new house at the same time.

"I am really anxious about having a new baby and trying to find a new house at the same time..." - Kayleigh Peachell

“We were told the houses were not going to be pulled down this year, so why have I got to get out now?”

The cottages were originally built by cement makers Cemex for its workers to live in. When the Cemex site was sold for redevelopment, it was purchased by builder Redrow Homes.

Not all tenants have received letters telling them to leave yet and others say the dates to get out of their properties are staggered.

Miranda Waghorn, 52, has lived there for more than 30 years. She said: “I’ve not had my eviction notice yet, but I’m very worried about it arriving.

“I called Redrow in January this year and asked if the cottages were going to be demolished this year and was assured they were not going to be.

“If that’s the case why are some tenants getting their eviction notices now?

“I suffered with heart problems and just don’t know when I am going to get my eviction notice – it’s really worrying me.”

Sandra Goodchild, 57, who has lived there for about 12 years, has been told to leave in August.

She said: “In January this year, we were told the homes would not be pulled down in 2015, so we breathed a sigh of relief. We think this whole situation could have been handled better.

“Why can’t we stay if the cottages are not being demolished just yet?

Redrow said it did not want to comment.