Man lay dead for three weeks

A fellow neighbour at Flower Court, Eden Grove, Wimborne, noticed that 63-year-old Colin Parker's light was on continuously and called East Dorset Housing Association, which runs the block.

It is believed Mr Parker died of a heart attack. His body was removed on Monday, August 8. There have been complaints that the housing association only pulled up the carpet last week.

Residents called Mr Parker a "pleasant chap" but a "loner".

The housing association said Mr Parker was not noticed because he asked for no warden visits.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "He was there for about three weeks before the body was removed."

East Dorset Housing Association has just carried out a consultation to ask residents their views on cost-cutting measures.

Wardens currently go to Flower Court on Mondays and Wednesdays but residents can opt for a "lifeline alarm" - which they press in case of an emergency - instead of visits.

Resident Therese Bradford, 76, said: "There should be more wardens not less.

"If you live on your own you should have a caller, even if you want one or not. The smell from the flat was absolutely horrific. People were traumatised by it."

Steve Collins, from Age Concern, said: "This seems a really sad case. You might have thought wardens would have a duty to visit people."

Nick Fry, managing director of East Dorset Housing Association, said the tenant "Had chosen some time ago not to receive visits". He added: "Sadly none of his family were in contact with him."

He said there was a delay in cleaning the flat as the family had the keys and were sorting out belongings.

Mr Parker, who was divorced and had a daughter, had various health problems, including Crohn's disease, and had recently returned from hospital.

The consultation is likely to result in a reduction in residents' bills by £2 a week, in anticipation of a 47 per cent reduction in government funding.

First published: August 24, 2005