Pensioners in Maldon have hit out at the state of their sheltered home.

Residents at The Charter, in Wantz Road, say maintenance, cleaning and care at the site has "gone to pot" in recent months.

They claim their rubbish sacks have been left stacked up, their windows are covered in dirt and the prize-winning garden is in an overgrown state.

Resident Daphney Chapman, 73, said: "The warden who used to run the place helped make the garden look as pretty as a picture.

"We used to grow our own potatoes, runnerbeans and cabbage. Now the relief warden just comes in, asks if you're okay, gives you a tick and then goes."

Richard Gormley, regional director, for site owners Moat Housing Group, said: "Resident satisfaction is important to us and we are working to address the issues at Charter House.

"The cleaning contract had to be retendered because the previous cleaner is due to retire. The new cleaners started last week and a major spring-clean is planned for next week."

Published Wednesday June 9, 2004

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