'We are happy with the arrangements'

Published 23 Jul 2009 04:00 0 Comments

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A ROW has broken out over whether or not more wardens are needed at a sheltered housing scheme.

Some residents of Mander Court in Caversham are backing a national legal attempt by solicitor Yvonne Hossacks to get night and live-in wardens reintroduced but others say alarms are enough.

Resident Shirley Rennison said: "We are happy with the arrangements. We have cover, we have alarms."

Rose Sinclair said: "I don't want to get involved in big bills for something I don't want."

They say they pay £500-£600 a month for private flats and some utility bills in the home in Derby Road and are not concerned about confirmation earlier this month that the warden will not live on site. Another woman, who moved in when there were more wardens 10 years ago, said: "It is all right for the younger people, they don't need a night warden. But it is not what we expected for the rest of our lives."

Caroline Tiller, chief executive of James Butcher Housing Association, said: "The residents' welfare is important to us and we will continue to work in consultation with residents and their families to provide the best service possible."

She added that a scheme manager is present daily and that community alarms are available 24 hours.

The Chronicle is happy to clarify that Mander Court is sheltered housing and not a care home.

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 23 Jul 09

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