RESIDENTS of a Wythall sheltered housing scheme have launched a major protest at a rise in charges for warden services.

People living in Green Gables sheltered housing, Alcester Road, have already handed a petition to MP Julie Kirkbride against the charge and many now want to see the service stopped.

And about 40 residents packed into the first consultation meeting to complain about the increase to Bromsgrove Council's head of housing services, Andrew Coel.

The council is undertaking a consultation period and has postponed the rise until July 1 after residents have had their say.

Mr Coel said: "Although the feeling at Green Gables was that they didn't want wardens anymore, other housing schemes haven't been so intense.

"We are trying to make residents aware of benefits they can claim because of the rise in prices."

Council leader Nick Psirides said: "The government said people in sheltered accommodation must pay towards the cost of support services, such as wardens, laundry and community room facilities."

Resident Trevor Partridge said: "We don't want to pay for the warden service."