They say the elderly people who live in the flats, health and safety could now be put at risk following the decision.

The current warden will be replaced in October by a floating warden - who will come into the sheltered housing at no set times.

The group of elderly residents have now formed the Newlands Court Committee to oppose the plans and have also written 50 letter to Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh about their concerns.

Donald Kitchener, speaking on behalf of all the residents said: “All of us here are concerned about the plans - we know it is a Government thing the new changes but we are not happy about them.

“At the moment if one of the residents pulls their emergency cord the live-in waden comes in about two or three minutes.

“With the new plans for a floating warden they can come in when they want and this is a concern for us if someone collapses.”

Mr Kitchener also says there will be a communication problem when the change come into affect and there also could be issues with letting people in via the security doors.

He added: “We have a good rappor with the current warden because she lived on site.

“What will happen if we have a power cut and the floating one can’t get in - we all have many concerns about it.”

Acis Group is committed to providing supported accommodation to our elderly and vulnerable tenants and meeting the needs of our residents is a priority to us.

In response to an assessment carried out by Supporting People, Acis Group Board of Management approved the move to a floating support service further to a detailed review undertaken by an independent specialist and consultation with staff and residents.

Under the new service, residents will continue to receive 24-hour cover via the emergency call system and in addition, will receive housing related support based on individual needs, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The housing association believes that in providing support based on individuals needs of it tenants, it is able to provide a more flexible service and will be more responsive to their changing requirements.

Paul Woollam, operations director at Acis said: “We understand that these changes may provide concern for our residents and that is why we visited each scheme to communicate the approved service changes and explain the reasons why.

“The move to a floating support service means we can provide housing related support when and where it is needed.”