ELDERLY residents living in two very sheltered accommodation homes hope that 'pensioner power' will save their overnight warden service from the axe.

Tenants at Shenstone Court, off Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove, and Crabtree Court in Sidemoor fear that Bromsgrove District Housing Trust will withdraw its round-the-clock care service as part of a cost-cutting review.

The review has been ordered by the Government-funded Supporting People group, which funds the complexes. It is based at County Hall in Worcester and provides assistance and support for vulnerable people. It is however having its cash allocation cut by the Government.

Last Wednesday tenants at Shenstone, some with their families, met Sue Rollason - the trust's supported housing manager, who tried to allay their fears.

Explaining the necessity for the revue, she said it is set to begin in May or June. She did however stress that no decision has yet been taken regarding warden care and that tenants' views will be listened to and taken on board at that time.

Shenstone's tenants are meeting today (Wednesday) to plan their opposition to any cuts in warden services and to look at the possibility of joining residents at Crabtree to present a united front. They are also hoping to enlist the help of local MP Julie Kirkbride.

On learning of their fears, as an opening shot, the MP declared: "Very sheltered accommodation means residents need a 24-hour care service. It is simply unacceptable to be proposing these cuts affecting elderly, vulnerable people."

At a similar meeting at Crabtree Court in November, trust boss Tony Lowry told tenants he would strive to keep the warden there until 10pm, but could not guarantee overnight cover. The trust was invited to comment, but had not done so as we went to press.