AN ELDERLY Christchurch resident has criticised Twynham Housing Association for withdrawing overnight and weekend sheltered housing warden cover.

Retired journalist Bob Miles, 78, who lives in Centenary House, Fairfield, describes the change as "disgusting".

The housing association said warden cover had been withdrawn because of concerns about staff working alone late at night.

Instead emergency calls will be dealt with by staff at a call centre who, in the event of an emergency, will telephone nominated key holders and ask them to attend.

Writing to Twynham, Mr Miles said: "My reply to that is that properly trained travelling wardens' know of any possible dangers before they join the warden service.

"In any case, I think the chances of a warden being attacked is about two million to one."

He has two keyholders. "One is a neighbour who has the key for such emergencies as when I lock myself out. People in sheltered housing do this quite often.

"The other is my next of kin, who will need access to my home when the appropriate time comes.

"Neither key holder has a responsibility of care'.

"My care is your responsibility. That is why I pay you a weekly fee.

"That is why it is essential for you to retain a warden service overnight, and weekends, and bank and public holiday periods."

Twynham resident services manager Winston Nelson said sheltered housing officers are not often called out of hours.

"We've also realised that having these officers as keyholders can often delay emergency services, such as paramedics, in getting access to our residents," he said. "We will be holding a series of meetings throughout August so that we can try and address any concerns Mr Miles or any other residents may have.

"We still have an out-of-hours service where all Twynham sheltered residents are linked to our 24-hour alarm service, where care centre staff are on hand to respond to emergency calls.

"The emergency services will have access to keys, to allow them into a property at any time of day or night, and we're visiting all our sheltered residents in the next few weeks to explain the alternative arrangements."