FRIGHTENED people at a sheltered housing development in Evesham have pleaded with officials not to get rid of night care staff.

Ferry View, a Rooftop Housing Group scheme, currently has wardens working 24 hours-a-day offering help and support to residents who need it. But this is under threat following a review of services at all of the company's homes and it could mean that a warden would only be called in as and when required.

People are concerned about the lack of consultation.

Kathleen Bayley, aged 84, who suffers from glaucoma and diabetes, said: "I have trouble seeing so I am very worried in case I take a fall and no one is here to help me."

Doreen Tompkins, 80, said: "There are a lot of elderly people here and not all of us have relatives in the area who can help us. There has always been a warden working here so the thought of one not being here, especially during the night, is very frightening. What is going to happen?"

Rebecca Bailey, of Rooftop, said it was responding to the strategic aims of Worcester-shire County Council, which funds the scheme's housing support.

She said: "The intention is to move away from the traditional warden role in sheltered housing schemes towards a floating support service which would be delivered to older people in need, wherever they live, including elsewhere in the community.

"In order to achieve this we have to replace the scheme manager or warden role with a combination of staff who will support the people."