THE locations where sheltered accommodation on-site wardens will be based have been announced.

Worcester Community Housing says that from the end of April or the start of May, teams of wardens will be based at Dancox House, St John's, Cherwell Close, Tolladine, and Cranham Court, Warndon.

The decision to axe 24-hour on-site wardens at each of the city's sheltered accommodation sites and replace them with an on-call service has angered many residents.

Under the new system three teams, consisting of eight to nine full and part-time wardens, will be on call for all the sheltered accommodation complexes in their allocated area.

Jean Hartley, WCH housing director, said: "Tenants will still receive a daily visit, a 24-hour response service, social activities will be organised and if anyone needs extra help and assistance, this will be accommodated.

"We want to very much retain the personal touch, and the new way of working will allow us to do this.

"By having community teams we can ensure consistency, flexibility, and we will be able to extend and improve our services.

Last month, we reported that almost 1,000 tenants, their families and people living near to the complexes signed a petition opposing the move, which was handed to Parliament by Worcester MP Mike Foster.

But 72-year-old Sid Jones, a resident of Keswick and Langdale sheltered accommodation, Langdale Drive, Warndon, and also a tenant director on the WCH board, said where he lives the majority back the move.

He said: "I think that some of the tenants who were hesitant are starting to come around."