HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling for the council to re-think plans to scrap round-the-clock wardens at a sheltered housing scheme.

Pensioners living at Afflets Court, in Basildon, were left devastated after it was revealed that from April they will no longer have a warden on-site to support them.

Elderly people living at the complex in Moat Field, were visibly upset when a council officer called a meeting to explain the changes.

The council said it had no choice but to shake up the way it provides services for the elderly across the borough, due to a cut in Government funding.

Audrey Michaelson, 59, whose dad Brian Collins, 86, has lived in the complex for two years, believes the changes will put lives at risk.

She has started a petition calling for the plans to be thrown out.

Fryerns Ward councillor Allan Davies has joined the fight. He said: “Afflets Court residents are among the most vulnerable in the borough and have specific individual care needs.

“While the Tory administration spend millions on a Sporting Village and Dale Farm eviction, they neglect to look after the elderly and disabled.

“I am calling for cabinet members of the council responsible to arrange another meeting at Afflets Court to listen to residents’ concerns and explain their actions.”

Mrs Michaelson, of Landermere, Basildon, added: “I only started the petition a few days ago and already it’s full.

“We aren’t giving up without a fight. We have to do what we think is best for our relatives.”

Currently, a warden is on site 24/7 to answer emergency calls and make checks on vulnerable residents living in the 60 flats.

If the changes are brought in the residents will have to use Careline, which will alert the emergency services, if they fall ill or need help at weekends or during the night.

Mrs Michaelson said: “A Careline operator can ring for paramedics, but how will they get into the complex as only wardens have keys?”

Angela Smith, Baroness of Basildon, has also raised concerns. She said: “Some of the residents I’ve known there have been quite frail.”

Basildon Council has said it will address the concerns of the residents on a one-to-one basis.