ELDERLY and vulnerable people’s lives in Cardigan and across the rest of Ceredigion could be put at risk by a decision to axe funding for an emergency alarm system.

Ceredigion County Council is to stop paying for emergency call alarms for nearly 500 elderly and/or disabled tenants in sheltered schemes across the county from April 1 – including Bro Teifi in Cardigan.

It is understood that will save £40,000 a year.

The sheltered schemes are all managed by Tai Ceredigion, which is challenging the council’s decision which it says could have “potentially life-threatening outcomes”.

A spokesman for Tai Ceredigion said: “The Supporting People grant funds the bilingual emergency alarm support service for tenants in sheltered schemes, which is literally a lifeline for many elderly and vulnerable people (and their families) who rely on the alarm pendants in case of emergency.

“These alarms work 24 hours a day and when activated, the trained team of call handlers send out messages to families, doctors and emergency services are immediately informed to attend if the individual is in need of assistance e.g. in the event of a fall.

“Tai Ceredigion’s data shows that over the last 12 months, the lives of 52 people were saved as a direct result of the use of these personal alarms.

“Tai Ceredigion is currently supporting tenants and working with their families, our tenant monitoring group, local councillors, MP and AM to highlight the danger and potentially life-threatening outcomes that could result from these cuts.”

The issue was also raised by Cllr Marilyn Farmer at a meeting of Cardigan Town Council.

“The residents at Bro Teifi depend on these alarms and if the council don’t pay for it, many of the resident would find it hard to and are extremely worried,” she said.

“People will no longer be able to live independently and could be forced into care homes or hospitals, where they will be blocking beds and it will cost more money in the long run.”

The town council is to write to Ceredigion voicing its concerns, while Ceredigion MP Ben Lake has also stepped in and has met with residents at Bro Teifi to discuss their concerns.

"It is disappointing that a situation has arisen wherein the future of the alarm systems at sheltered accommodation is uncertain, causing considerable concern for residents across Ceredigion,” said Mr Lake.

"Having met with residents at Bro Teifi sheltered accommodation recently to hear more about their concerns, I am in no doubt that the service currently offered is invaluable, and must be continued.

“I have met with both Ceredigion County Council and Tai Ceredigion to discuss the matter, and will be doing my utmost to ensure that a resolution is brokered between the two that ensures that residents do not lose out on such a vital service.”

Ceredigion County Council has been asked to comment.