Campaigning residents have vowed to fight proposals to axe on-site wardens at sheltered housing centres in the Rochford district.

At risk - Chignal House wardens Jenni Westgate and Louise Ridealgh, front, have the backing of residents. Picture: NICK ANSELL 69HWT2

Under plans being discussed by council chiefs, wardens based at the area's 14 sheltered accommodation schemes would be largely replaced by 24-hour cover operated from a central base.

Chignal House, in Tendring Avenue, Rayleigh, has around 50 residents, all over the age of 60, and there are two full-time wardens who provide 24-hour assistance.

Margaret Patterson, 66, lost her husband two years and moved into Chignal House because she felt safe as there were wardens available on-site 24 hours a day.

She said: "Last week a 93-year-old woman fell and after she pressed her emergency button a warden was with her in minutes. If there was nobody on site who knows how long she would have to wait?

"It could be the difference between life and death. No doubt this proposed move will save money, but to hell with that - we're talking about people's lives, not saving a few pounds to help the council's budget."

Steve Clarkson, Rochford District Council's head of revenue and housing management, said: "We are thinking about moving away from on-site wardens because we have to consider the law of the European working time directive and other factors. Rochford is one of the only authorities that provides this cover anyway so we are looking at a number of options. We are still at a review stage, nothing is set in stone."

There are 21 on-site wardens covering 14 schemes in the district and Mr Clarkson said jobs would not be lost, with the council likely to go for a redeployment rather than redundancy. It is not clear how much money would be saved if the move goes ahead.

Published Monday January 14, 2002