Investigations are to be carried out into the way a sheltered housing scheme is run following complaints from residents and their families.

Tendring councillor Steve Henderson said he had been flooded with calls and complaints about Belmans Court in Dovercourt on a daily basis.

He also claimed there had been no resident warden at the site for the past eight months.

Mr Henderson (Ind, Harwich West Central) said Essex Police had also written a letter over security problems at the Tendring Council-run accommodation.

"I am worried about Belmans Court - as are the people living there and their families," he said. "There has been no resident warden or proper cover there for a long time."

Tendring Council's community services committee was discussing moves to go for a Government Charter Mark for its sheltered housing services.

Mr Henderson said while other sites across the district may well be fine he could not support going for the accreditation while the situation at Belmans Court existed.

Bill Newman, head of community services, promised Mr Henderson's concerns would be investigated but said he could not discuss the issue in open committee.

He added going for a Charter Mark would help the council to review the way it provided its sheltered housing service. It would provide an independent assessment and assist in improving the service.

Tom Cook (Lab, St Marys) said the issues Mr Henderson had brought up should not make any difference to the council applying for a Charter Mark.

Tendring Council's Careline Service has already achieved Charter Mark and the councillors agreed to move ahead with an application for its sheltered housing services.

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