ELDERLY people in council sheltered housing say they need a warden after nine months of thefts, problems with intruders and safety fears.

Joan Fraser, 85, is a resident of Caldicot's Brookside sheltered flats complex.

She said elderly residents of the 40 flats have not had a warden since January. This comes a week after the Argus reported on council sheltered accommodation in Chepstow left without a warden for more than six weeks.

Mrs Fraser said: "There are at least four residents over 90 and the average age is 86, so we are vulnerable."

A member of the residents' committee, Mrs Fraser said the call for a warden was unanimous.

"We had a big meeting last Friday with someone from the council and it was quite clear we want a warden," she said.

Monmouthshire county council says it is consulting residents to establish their needs, and will not know the outcome until the end of October.

Problems arising from the lack of a warden range from residents having difficulties paying rent to the more worrying issues of intruders and thefts.

Gwent Police confirmed they are investigating thefts at the complex and said inquiries are ongoing.

Mrs Fraser said: "We have had everything stolen from bicycles to food.

"We've also had reports of young men sitting and smoking in our communal lounge."

Recently someone broke into the complex and unplugged the chargers from two motorised scooters, leaving the lights on to flatten the batteries.

Mrs Fraser is also concerned about safety.

She said: "If someone falls there's no one here."

A warden checks on them once a week, but in the past they have had no key to get into flats if there is no answer.

A council spokesman said: "Visiting wardens now have a master key, so if noone answers they will access the flat."

County and town councillor Ron Stewart said: "These people need someone on the premises full-time."