Thelma Jones was the first resident to move in back in 1962

The Hazel Court tower blocks have been a landmark in the city's Sketty area since 1962 but will be demolished in November.

Some residents have lived in the 10-storey blocks of flats for more than 40 years and became such firm friends that they socialised and went on holiday together as well.

But in the past year more than 100 have been found new homes after it was decided refurbishing the two buildings was more expensive than razing them to the ground.

With my husband I had travelled all over the world and had lived in 33 homes until I came here - I was here for 36 years Pam Yarrow

Thelma Jones and her late husband were the first couple to move in when the flats were built by Swansea Council.

"I have never come across a group who were so compatible as our neighbours in Hazel Court," she said.

"We always use to look after each other and look forward to the Christmas party, the Easter party and summer trips."

Her friends Pam Yarrow and Jean Smith both lived there for more than 30 years before being re-housed earlier this year.

The tower blocks will be brought down in November

"I have nothing but happy memories," said Mrs Yarrow.

"There were a lot of high rise flats being built across the country and with two children I remember I was very pleased to have accommodation.

"With my husband I had travelled all over the world and had lived in 33 homes until I came here - I was here for 36 years.

"I remember one time the lift was broken for 10 weeks.

"For nine weeks the milkman climbed up all the stairs but then said it was too much.

"When I was living here the only birds I use to see from the window were seagulls but now I see all kinds - sparrows, blackbirds, the lot."

Former residents Jean Smith, Thelma Jones and Pam Yarrow

Mrs Smith was one of those to enjoy a top floor view.

"It was like a penthouse," she said.

"They should have charged me over �100 a week but they did not - the views were just spectacular.

"To see the ferry come and go across the bay when it was all lit up was just amazing."

The city council turned Hazel Court into a sheltered complex for the more elderly 14 years ago but has spent the last year re-housing all 107 residents.

Adele Templeton who once lived there herself has been in charge of the project.

"We have tried to do with as little distress as possible," she said.

The top floor flats offered spectacular views

"Even if the decision was taken to refurbish them then the residents would have had to have moved out.

"The decision has provisionally been taken to replace the flats with a retirement village and everyone who has lived here will be given the option of coming back."

District housing officer Anne Mathews doubts such high rise flats will ever be built in Swansea again.

"We won't see them in this area again," she said.