THE removal of more wardens from sheltered housing schemes in Kirklees is to be suspended.

The new Conservative leaders of the council acted yesterday after protests.

The Examiner revealed last month how live-in wardens were axed at Batley, Gomersal and Birstall.

The order had come from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing - the body set up to manage homes for the council.

Clr Margaret Bates, council Cabinet member for adult services, said: "This is an ill thought out policy.

"I must emphasise that it has not come from the council's Adult Services, but is a direct initiative from Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing."

Claims were made last month that frail old people were being left at risk by the lack of wardens.

Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing said it was making the move because it had made a £170,000 loss on the scheme since 2003.

Mobile co-ordinators were to replace the wardens.

Clr Bates said: "I find it hard to believe that the previous administration chose to ignore the dramatic effect that the proposals would have on both residents and vital members of staff."

Although five wardens have already been removed, Clr Bates and Clr Khizar Iqbal, the new Cabinet member for housing, have asked Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing to look for other options.

In the meantime they have asked that further warden withdrawals are frozen pending a fresh report to the council's Cabinet.