FRIENDS of a man whose body was left undiscovered for up to four days say they are angered that no one raised the alarm.

Ronald Gordon, 59, known to his friends as Ronnie, was discovered dead at home in Weymouth sheltered housing accommodation.

His death at Bincombe Court, Hamilton Close, Littlemoor, has left community workers calling for more support for vulnerable people living alone.

Scottish-born Mr Gordon had fought throat cancer and lived alone in the Synergy Housing managed flat.

A Synergy Housing spokeswoman said Mr Gordon had opted out of any support or contact visits.

His friend Annie Elliott, 56, of Weymouth, said: “I do feel quite angry about how long it was before he was found.

“You have to accept people’s rights whether they want help or not, but even if they don’t want help it would be nice if people were checked on now and again.

“The last time I saw him I turned round to someone and said: ‘he doesn’t look quite right’.

“He was frustrated waiting for doctors to do something about his throat because he had an operation and he couldn’t speak properly.”

Mr Gordon, who moved to Weymouth from Helensborough around 30 years ago, worked at the Prince of Wales pub in Park Street and became a regular in the pub after giving up work because of ill health.

Pub landlady Dawn Hamilton said: “It was not nice at all the way he died alone.

“He was not well the week before he died and he was supposed to play pool for us but didn’t.

“The last time I saw him was on the Wednesday or the Thursday and he was found dead on the Monday. It’s very sad.”

Drinkers and staff at the Prince of Wales said Mr Gordon, known as Scots Ronnie, was a ‘friendly man’ and a ‘fabulous character’.

Bar worker Trish Kelly said: “He was a fabulous character who got on with everybody. He was a friendly guy.”

Tony Gavin said: “He was a great character and got on well with everyone.”

The Synergy Housing spokeswoman said Mr Gordon’s family was unable to contact him over the weekend and alerted housing and support staff, who entered his flat and discovered his body.

Every flat at Bincombe Court has an alarm service to call for emergency assistance 24 hours a day, but Mr Gordon hadn’t activated his alarm, the spokeswoman said.

She added: “Mr Gordon was a resident of Bincombe Court, but had chosen not to receive visits or support from the care and support staff.

“Although Mr Gordon had opted out of any support or contact visits, we do try to keep a watchful eye on all our residents, but at the same time respecting their right to privacy and their wishes regarding visits and contact.”

Dorset Police said the death was not being treated suspiciously.

Mr Gordon’s funeral was due to take place today at Weymouth Crematorium. His wake will be held at the Prince of Wales pub.