THE violent death of a pensioner must prompt a review of living conditions for vulnerable tenants in Southend’s sheltered housing system, his closest friend believes.
Albert Williams, 67, died after being stamped on and strangled during a suspected burglary in Cedar Close, Southend, on August 8.
Two men were cleared of his murder on Thursday - but were jailed for a separate burglary that took place at Mr Williams’ flat a week earlier.
Brian Wallace, a neighbour of Mr Williams, said residents still feel “vulnerable” and want Southend Council and South Essex Homes to make changes.
The 73-year-old said: “The legacy of Albert Williams is that we should have a proactive debate in this town.
“Southend Council and South Essex Homes are not taking the issue seriously enough.
"If you just say: ‘Oh it was another old man who died as a result of a burglary’ and you just pass it off, then what sort of value does that put on human life?
“We need to have a much better look at how we are taking care of our old people.”
Police believe Simon Smith, 40, of no fixed address, and Anthony Smith, 44 of Ceylon Road, Westcliff, got access to Mr William’s flat on August 1 by using a spare key he kept under the mat.
The pensioner was beaten up and later taken to hospital. Both men were jailed for eight-and-a-half years each last week.
Mr Wallace believes ‘Part 1’ sheltered housing - which does not have CCTV, wardens or electronic entry systems - should be scrapped in Southend.
He said: “When we mentioned about CCTV to the landlord we were told it was too expensive.
“There were concerns about human rights and privacy. But what about Albert’s human rights and his liberty?”
Anthony Smith and Simon Smith
Housing review is on the way
ALBERT Williams stopped paying for access to a personal security alarm in August 2014 because of an increase in fees.
He was burgled after leaving a key under his mat and although the lock was changed the day before his death, both scenarios would have been avoided if he lived in Part 2 sheltered accommodation.
Such sites include a dedicated sheltered housing officer, a personal alarm system and a secure entry system.
Mark Flewitt, councillor for housing, said a review of housing has recently been completed.
He said: “That report has been considered and noted by cabinet and a series of workshops and working groups will now take place and will consider many things, including some of the points raised by Mr Williams’ friend.
“We will be looking at the physical nature of our sheltered housing buildings, the location and accessibility of our schemes, and how this type of housing can help to enable tenants to stay independent as they get older.”
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