Row over council's warden 'plans'

Critics claim the plans could leave elderly people feeling vulnerable

A council has been accused of leaving sheltered housing residents feeling "vulnerable" over plans to replace resident wardens with mobile staff.

Labour councillors have said they are "appalled and outraged" by the move, which they called a "retrograde step".

Flintshire council said there had been a "misinterpretation" and it aimed to improve services for elderly people.

One proposal is "ending the contractual requirement for a residential warden to be a service tenant".

After being asked by the BBC for a response to the claims by Labour, the council issued a statement.

It said: "Flintshire's executive has undertaken an extensive piece of work to find out how the warden service can be modernised and improved."

'Misinterpretation'

It added: "We realise from the comments in the press that there may have been a misinterpretation of the council's intentions as set out in the report to executive on 17th November.

"We will be contacting Carl Sargeant AM, and other AMs, to meet with us so that our intentions can be fully explained."

The council has been asked to clarify the "misinterpretation".

It has set up a working group which has held seminars with staff, and "ending the contractual requirement for a residential warden to be a service tenant" is among proposals being discussed.

Councillor Aaron Shotton, Labour group leader and opposition leader on Flintshire council, said: "Labour councillors are appalled and outraged at the Tory/Lib Dem council decision to axe resident wardens in our older people's housing schemes.

'Retrograde step'

"On-site wardens help the elderly with security, health and social needs and provide a rapid response in emergencies.

"To remove resident wardens and replace them with mobile wardens is a retrograde step that will leave many of our elderly feeling very vulnerable."

Mr Sargeant, the AM for Alyn and Deeside, said he was "saddened" by the decision, adding: "I hope this decision will be reversed."