RESIDENTS of a sheltered housing complex in Swanage are preparing to go to court in their battle to keep a full-time warden.

They took action after hearing that Linda Pearson, the manager of Burr Stone Mead in High Street, was having her hours cut back to 25 per week.

They say they were not consulted and now the group has appointed solicitor Yvonne Hossack, who is fighting a dozen similar cases across the country.

She is arguing that, although landlord Shaftesbury Sanctuary Housing is not a public body, it carries out a public function and must consult with residents before making changes. The solicitor has now written to Shaftesbury Sanctuary.

Residents spoke of their manager always going the extra mile.

Decia Crofts, 87, said: “I’ve been here 18 years and lived next-door to her and I know the work that girl has done.

“She’s a wonderful person. I don’t know what we would do without her.”

Stan Grimsley, 73, added: “A lot of people moved in here for the idea of being looked after, having your independence, but having someone there to look after you.”

Tenants are angry that they were not consulted. Michael Budd, 71, and Gladys Franklin, 86, both said that residents were not given the chance to have their say.

A Shaftesbury Sanctuary spokesman said many Burr Stone Mead tenants were “very independent” and it had become apparent that a full-time manager was not needed.

“Although the changes are yet to be finalised, we can confirm that the hours of support provided will be at least 25 hours a week and this will have no impact on the quality of service our residents receive.

“We have explained the situation to our residents and will continue to keep them informed,” added the spokesman.