MONMOUTHSHIRE'S sheltered housing service is to undergo an overhaul and review after coming under heavy criticism by concerned residents and their families.

For months two sheltered housing accommodations in the region have been without a full-time warden. And more recently, worried residents have begun to speak out about their fears for their safety.

One case in particular, which has sparked outrage is that of 96-year-old Elsie Payne, who was left to spend the night on the floor in her flat in Brookside Sheltered Housing Complex in Caldicot, because her cries for help went unheard. Brookside has been without a permanent warden since January.

Now, the entire sheltered housing service is under review, with results due to be released by the end of the month.

Among the initial changes wardens have been renamed co-ordinator and are armed with new handbooks books aimed at improving the service.

The council also hope to solve the serious recruiting problems they currently face.

John Keegan, head of housing services, said: "This review should point toward solutions to the difficulties in recruiting scheme co-ordinators. In Monmouth-shire, 89 percent of residents are homeowners and the issues surrounding filling posts are affected by the lack of privacy in the job."

Referring to the new co-ordinator's handbook, Mr Keegan said: "This is our definitive guide. It gives everybody clarity about their roles and is helpful to both scheme co-ordinators and tenants."

The council said that since the end of September, temporary measure have been in place, with all community support assistants having a master key and instructed to check on residents.

In addition, all tenants deemed to be high-risk are to receive a regular call via a call-alarm system to check if they are all right. More vulnerable residents are encouraged to wear a pendant to call for help in an emergency.

Cabinet member for social and housing services, Alan Wintle, said: "This is a tried and tested, cost-effective technology which has been of vital help to people when they need assistance most.

"We have highlighted the protection of the vulnerable as our first priority."