COST-cutting within the EPHA has led to misery for the pensioners at a housing scheme at Charles Close, Evesham.

The Evesham and Pershore Housing Association launched a trial peripatetic warden system last week.

As a result the residents have lost their full-time on-site warden, Jenny O'Donnal who has now become part of a team of five working shifts to cover four sheltered housing schemes. The other three at Meades Court and Bewdley Court in Evesham, and Shear House in Broadway, consist of flats under one roof with a communal reception area and security system.

Seventy-six-year-old Frank Macklin, who is disabled, said: "We are totally different to sheltered housing schemes and should be treated separately.

"We are like a village here with about 50 separate bungalows and need a full-time warden because most of us are disabled, blind, or just cannot get about.

"Jenny was everything to us. She organised activities and we went out on trips. Now we are being told we will have to organise everything ourselves and we are not able to do that.

"We are worried about the security aspect too. We've got used to Jenny, we trust her and the blind and partially blind know her footsteps, but we have residents in their 90's who are getting totally confused with these different people and are worrying themselves sick."

Next door neighbour, 83-year-old Phyllis McKerchar said: "We have lost our quality of life."

Mr Macklin said since the trial started all residents had been told to put elastic bands around their doorknobs when they go out to let wardens know.

He said: "I wouldn't dream of doing such a stupid thing. This is sure to get out and will be an open invitation to burglars."

Director of operations, Martin Bednall said: "Changes are taking place around the country because of new government rules.

"At present the wardens are being paid for from benefits but in 2003 that will change and a separate payment will be made to cover the welfare aspect.

"The current cost of providing a welfare scheme is in deficit, which means that other tenants are helping to pay for it, so we can't do nothing.

"I do understand the residents' concerns, however, and it may well be that after the trial period Charles Close is treated a little differently."

Councillor John Smith, who is also a EPHA trustee said: "I think Charles Close is a special case and am hoping that the rest of the board will realise that and re-instate a permanent warden there."