RESIDENTS and councillors have hit out at allegations from far right groups that Redbridge's social housing stock is under threat from immigration.

At a meeting of the full council last night former councillor Morris Hickey, 62, asked: “Would the cabinet member please clarify the priority arrangements for housing Redbridge residents as contrasted with those recently arriving in the borough?”

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Robin Turbefield replied: “Applications will have to prove their need due to overcrowding, otherwise unsatisfactory housing or that they are homeless or have mental health problems related to unsatisfactory housing.

“Applications must have a local connection of three out of four years, six out of 12 months, or have long term employment in the borough or close family ties here.”

Mr Hickey, of Long Green, Chigwell, told the Guardian his motivation for asking the question was to counter scaremongering by groups such as the BNP.

He said: “I do get sick and tired of these myths that are aimed at convincing gullible people I wanted to get something on the record.”