SIR: I refer to the letter from one of your readers, published on Monday, September 29, and trust the following information clarifies the matter. As your reader points out, there was indeed a vacancy. This vacancy arose through sickness.

In accordance with our procedure developed to cater for such situations, arrangements were made immediately for relief Wardens to intercom the residents daily. From the date of sickness this site has been covered by Careline Control Centre for any emergency calls from residents.

A short period after the sickness arose a letter was sent to all residents explaining the situation and the above arrangements. All customers had already been advised verbally that the relief Warden would be intercomming the site.

The Warden who was on sick leave is now, in fact, taking up a new post, and residents were informed by letter to this effect. They were further advised that a new Warden would be appointed as soon as possible. This vacancy will be filled in the very near future. Of course, the arrangement outlined above to support existing residents will continue.

? Your readers may also be aware from the previous articles in the BEN that the Council continues to give elderly services a high priority, and a number of initiatives will be launched during the current financial year. Among these initiatives will be a comprehensive information pack to all residents explaining what services they can expect from the Housing Department when Wardens are on duty and whenever there is absence for whatever reason. These services were developed through wide consultation with customers and residents.

It is also our intention to continue with direct consultation with residents in sheltered housing to ensure that we take into account fully our customers' views and needs when introducing and developing new initiatives.

?Satwant Singh, Deputy Director of Housing, Bolton Metro.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.