The elderly residents of the sheltered housing complex claim that since permanent warden cover was removed some four years ago, the level of care has dwindled to the extent that they count themselves lucky if they encounter a warden on any given day.

They themselves have also been left responsible for the security of the building since the departure of the permanent wardens and they say that is unacceptable as all it takes is for one resident to accidentally leave a door unlocked, or someone who has mental difficulties to let in the wrong person, and their possessions could be stolen or damaged, while they themselves could be victim of an attack.

All tenants have a community alarm system fitted in their homes, but they say it is not quick enough to deal with an emergency.

Helen McAllister, who has lived in the building for a number of years said that was highlighted recently after a resident of the complex fell and split his head outside. She immediately pulled the emergency cord to contact the community alarm service, but waited 30 minutes for them to get back to her.

Another resident, a 71 year-old male who didn't wish to be named, said he experienced a similar situation after his neighbour suffered a suspected heart attack, but was shocked to learn community alarm staff couldn't enter a flat without prior permission, even if someone is unwell.

He said: "I called the community alarm and about 30 minutes later the wardens came.

"I phoned them back and asked if he was okay. They said he looked fine. I asked if they helped him into bed and they said they didn't go into his home because they have to be invited in – they just looked in the window.

"They say that's because I called the community alarm from my room and not his. He could easily have been dead."

The residents said they were also concerned that severely disabled persons are often housed in the top floor of the three-storey complex, potentially leaving them stranded there in the event of a fire as the lift automatically cuts off if the alarm is raised.

Local councillor Sandy West said he had already raised the matters with Angus Council's director of neighbourhood services, Ron Ashton, but said the residents have not been contacted by the council to address their concerns.

A spokesperson for Angus Council said: "The community alarm service, based within social work and health, runs the 'out of hours' call service for around 800 residents in sheltered housing complexes throughout Angus and responds promptly to any calls for assistance.

"Staff on duty at the community alarm service are able to assess the problem and can organise assistance without delay. This includes, if necessary, organising access to any sheltered housing units.

"All our sheltered housing complexes meet the required fire and safety regulations."

Meanwhile, residents were recently alarmed to find that, should there be any damage to their homes, they would have to pay for the repairs out of their own insurance.

This was highlighted a month ago after a burst pipe flooded Muriel Simpson's flat. She has since been told by the council to claim off her own insurance, but said that would mean her incurring a £50 excess charge.

A council spokesperson said: "It is standard council policy that tenants require to have their own insurance policies to cover accidental damage to their belongings.

"Although we don't comment on individual tenants, it is clear that, as per normal practice, the tenant should consult with her individual insurer in line with her lease agreement, who will liaise with the council's insurer regarding liability.

"The council has no problems with the matter being handled between insurance companies and will abide by their independent findings."