Two neighbours are holding up part of a £2.3 billion regeneration project - because they want to move to new homes next door to each other.
A total of 237 homes were earmarked for clearance in May 2006, but three homes are still lived in including the loyal pair.
A total of 237 homes were earmarked for clearance in 2006, but three homes are still lived in including these two
David Gourdie, 60, and Conny Armstrong, 55, have demanded homes next door to each other and insist they won't accept a housing offer until it meets their needs.
The pair became close friends while fighting for their homes.
David, who has lived in his house since 1996 said: 'We are friends and I help her out. We want to live next door to each other.'
Both David and Conny rent their homes, in Middleport, Staffordshire, from private landlords.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council pledged to rehome all residents in the clearance zone - even if it does not own the properties.
Firm friends: David Gourdie and Conny Armstrong cemented their friendship when fighting for their homes
The council said it has offered David and Conny more than 35 different houses - but that is disputed by the pair.
They say they have had no offers of neighbouring homes for at least a year.
Conny, who has a daughter, 20, who lives with her said: 'I don't know how I could cope without David. We won't live in the slums the council has offered us.'
In December the last remaining residents were served with a two-month order to vacate their homes. Now they have just 28 days to leave before the houses are transferred to the council.
The circled area in Stoke is due to be demolished for a regeneration project but David and Connie, who live in the blue and pink houses, have refused to go
Cabinet member for housing councillor Brian Ward said: 'After more than five years of work in the area it is unfortunate that this final step is needed - but it is necessary in order for new development to take place.'
Retired Brian Pool, 70, owns the house rented to David Gourdie.
He said: 'I can understand why they want to live next to each other but I think they'll have to look privately.'
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