Tenants who are being forced to move have described it as being “kicked in the teeth”.

People living on the West Hendon Estate will be moved out of their homes next year, to make way for 2,000 new flats being built as part of the West Hendon Regeneration scheme.

Around 30 activists gathered last Saturday to stage a protest about the work on the estate.

Adelaid Adams, 85, who lives in Tyrell Way, one of the blocks facing bulldozing, said: “We have been here so long, and I would like to spend the rest of my days here.”

Her daughter Glynis Walker, who is campaigning on behalf of her mother, said: “It’s absolutely disgusting the way they are being treated. It’s all about money, it’s not about people’s well-being at all.

“Some of the people here are too old to be moved. It’s one of the most stressful things possible.

“If we have to be here every day to stop it, we will.”

The work is being carried out by developer Barratt Metropolitan LLP in partnership with Barnet Borough Council and Barnet Homes.

Jacqueline Parsons, who lives on the estate, said: “Every leaseholder has been offered about £130,000 to move out, which is an insult. It will take some time to find a new home. We are getting a rough deal, and we’re very disappointed. It’s not a good situation.

“I have lived here a long time. Residents are being kicked in the teeth.”

The activists also stopped a lorry from delivering concrete on the estate, in protest at the noise the construction is causing.

Ms Parsons added: “These huge lorries are coming down here, and the buildings are shuddering. We don’t get any peace from eight until six at night. It’s bedlam. You can’t have a meal in peace, and you can’t have your radio or TV on.”

People living on the estate set up Our West Hendon, a community group that campaigns on issues affecting the estate.

Gazelle Farnam, who lives in Tyrell Way, said: “Since Our West Hendon started we can communicate more. A good number of people are involved. Because this has been going on for 15 years a lot of people are sick and tired. They don’t believe they can make a difference.”

Councillor Daniel Thomas, deputy leader of Barnet Council, said: “We are transforming the West Hendon estate and that is largely being funded by the private sector developers.

“All permanent tenants on the West Hendon estate will have a home on the regenerated estate and will I am sure, see their lives transformed by the development.

“Residents in temporary accommodation will of course be re-housed but not necessarily on the estate.

“The biggest complaint I have had about the regeneration is that it has taken so long to get going, so I am sceptical that anything which slows down the process will be popular with residents at large.”

A spokesman for Barratt Metropolitan LLP said: “Barratt Metropolitan LLP is delivering the long-promised regeneration of the West Hendon Estate in line with the council’s aspiration to transform the local area. This will provide a new generation of 2,000 high-quality homes for current and future residents and will include 25 per cent affordable housing.

“There will also be more open space within the estate, West Hendon Broadway will be revitalised and 130 new jobs will be created for local people.

“Barratt London always adheres to the highest standards of care and consideration towards its neighbours and is a committed member of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the national industry scheme designed to encourage best practice beyond statutory requirements."