COLCHESTER’s High Steward has urged councillors to assist with caring for the elderly.

Sir Bob Russell asked members at a full Colchester Council meeting whether they could help people being discharged from Colchester General Hospital, or struggling with social care provision.

He said: “I am thinking specifically of the NHS experiencing problems in discharging people who no longer need hospital care, but who require care and assistance elsewhere but for whom those who provide care packages are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demands.”

Business portfolio holder Annie Feltham (Lib Dem) said although social care was the responsibility of Essex County Council, the authority was well aware of issues adding: “We are in good contact with them and it has been ongoing for some time.”