CONCERNS about the safety of vulnerable people in sheltered accommodation have been raised after a intruder managed to get into a council-run home.

A man knocked at the front door of Holmcroft House, in Orford Road, Walthamstow, and told a 66-year-old resident he was looking for a relative.

But the resident was suspicious and slammed the door in his face.

He then heard another intruder moving about in his flat, and when he went to investigate he found two windows open.

Luckily nothing appears to have been stolen.

Josephine Evans, 72, another resident, said: "It just isn't safe here anymore.

"It is getting worse and worse.

"There wasn't a warden on duty but somebody pulled the alarm and the police were called."

She added she is worried about the declining numbers of warden staff working in sheltered accommodation across Waltham Forest.

Mrs Evans is also concerned that residents are being left without wardens on duty during weekends.

She said: "I remember a year ago a woman in a wheelchair feel over. She was shouting for help.

"There wasn't a warden on duty so I went to help her.

"Fortunately someone called an ambulance."

Charity Help the Aged published a report saying almost a third of sheltered housing schemes across the country will their lose on-site wardens and have them replaced with a floating service.

The report also reveals a decline in the availability of sheltered accommodation, which has fallen by four per cent in the last five years and is predicted to drop by a further seven per cent in the next three years.

Last week the Guardian revealed how alcoholics and the mentally ill are living alongside the elderly in sheltered accommodation because of a shortage of council properties.

Police described the man who knocked at the door on Sunday at about 7.30pm as aged about 20, 5ft 5ins tall, short black hair, and wearing a grey fleece.

If you have information call Chingford Police Station on 8345 3152 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.