Residents’ fight to save wardens

Derbyshire County Council is considering getting rid of wardens and stopping funding for an alarm system at countywide sheltered accommodations overseen by district and borough councils and housing associations.

Residents at Glebe Court, at Old Whittington, Chesterfield, and Markham Court, at Duckmanton, collected nearly 500 names in opposition to plans.

Shirley Stewart, of Glebe Court, said: “If our petitions don’t work at least we can say we tried and have expressed our dissatisfaction.”

The council claimed it has to make savings of £157million by 2018 and explained plans to stop funding could save an estimated £788,395 per year.

Campaigners argued wardens are a lifeline to vulnerable residents if they are ill or fall.

A council spokesman said: “All the views during the consultation will be considered.”

The consultation deadline was November 18 and a decision is expected in February.