RESIDENTS in a sheltered housing complex are in fear for their safety after it was announced their scheme manger will be leaving at the end of the month and will not be replaced.

Beryl Challice, 85, who has lived in Harber Court, in Gorse Hill, for the past 17 years, is afraid it will result in residents being neglected and has called on housing company Stonewater to think again.

She said: “Anything could happen to us, we could be lying there dead for all anyone would know.

“The presence of a scheme manager was the reason why a lot of the residents came here to live in the first place.”

About 40 people live in Harber Court and they all consider the scheme manager vital for their safety and welfare.

“She is absolutely wonderful,” said Beryl, who is one of Harber Court’s oldest residents.

“She sorts out all our problems and addresses anything that we are worried about. If she’s not here anymore then I just don’t know what we will do.

“We often go and see her for a coffee and a chat and she always keeps an eye on us and makes sure we’re all alright.”

Beryl claims that the removal of the scheme manager is merely a way for Stonewater, who took over the complex last year, to cut costs.

She said: “They say they can’t afford to keep her. Since Stonewater have taken over, things have gone from bad to worse. They don’t care about us, they’re only bothered about money.”

Beryl says that, as a result of the cut, residents are expected to pay an extra £26 to use the council’s Homeline emergency response service.

“Why should we have to do that?” she said. “Not everyone can afford to do that and it’s simply not fair.”

A spokesman for Stonewater said: “Harber Court is one of Stonewater’s retirement living schemes. Each flat has a 24-hour emergency pull-cord system for peace of mind.

“We are currently reviewing our services across our retirement living schemes.

“The wellbeing of our residents is our upmost priority and we will be consulting with them if there are likely to be any changes which may impact on our services.”