A DISABLED man who relies on an emergency response service run by Newport City Homes said it is a "disgrace" it is being scrapped.

Gary Jones, 72, of Caerleon, received a letter earlier this month from Newport City Homes, explaining the visiting emergency response service, part of the wider Telecare service, will no longer be provided as of August 1.

Mr Jones, who has experienced two forms of heart failure, suffers from breathing problems, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease said he was, "concerned" the service is to be removed.

"I live on my own and I am able to live on my own and look after myself because this telephone system gives me peace of mind, knowing I only have to press this alarm system and help is there," he said.

"The part they are scrapping is what I need the most.

"It will affect my independence and peace of mind."

He also questioned whether the price of the service, which costs between £19.63 and £27.79 per month depending on the services required, would be reduced, now what he considers, "the most expensive part," will be removed.

The letter states the Telecare Team will, "no longer provide a visiting emergency response service," due to "significant financial loss."

It says the decisions were "not taken lightly," but states the Association is a landlord rather than an emergency service and responding to medical or other emergencies is the responsibility of the ambulance service or police.

It explains, the team will, "respond to all emergency calls received by contacting the Ambulance Service, Police or designated contact person," and that telephone support services through the community alarm link will continue to be provided on a 24 hour all year basis and over the next six months steps will be taken to contract the service out so it will no longer be provided by the in house Telecare Team.

Mohammad Asghar, AM for South Wales East, said: "There are a lot of senior citizens here and the service which is being withdrawn is such a shame.

"Vulnerable people need this peace of mind. It is a disgrace."

- A SPOKESMAN for Telecare service said when Newport City Homes took it over from Newport City Council in 2009, it was already operating at a financial loss, which has continued.

Despite attempts to expand the number of users in order to make the service viable, it did not make a large enough impact to reduce the overall deficit position.

"We have recently communicated these decisions to our residents, and sought to re-assure them that NCH remains committed to the delivery of high quality Telecare services, albeit we will no longer be providing these services directly.

"During this time of significant challenges, in respect of Welfare Reform and the impact this is already having on rental income, the Association has had to take some difficult decisions in relation to continuing to operate and subsidise services that make significant financial losses. "