A NEW mobile warden service will be launched in Soham this summer to help elderly and vulnerable residents not living in sheltered accommodation. Scheme organisers The Viva Arts and Community Group and charity Care Network have been awarded the grants the

A NEW mobile warden service will be launched in Soham this summer to help elderly and vulnerable residents not living in sheltered accommodation.

Scheme organisers The Viva Arts and Community Group and charity Care Network have been awarded the grants they need to launch the service.

The move follows a consultation in Soham last autumn when 93 per cent of residents who responded to a survey gave their support to the idea.

The warden scheme was also backed by churches, shops and local agencies.

Helen Randall, from Care Network, said: "We're thrilled that we've been promised the funds we need to get going, and that some local residents have volunteered to join our planning group.

"To help them design the new service, we'd like to hear from other local people about their ideas. For example, how many times a week should the warden phone or visit subscribers? Are there any particular needs that the scheme should meet?"

Funding has been awarded by Soham Town Council, Soham United Charities, East Cambridgeshire Community Development Fund and Cambridgeshire County Council's Small Grants scheme. In addition, Healthy Living East Cambridgeshire has included the scheme in its bid for Big Lottery funding.

To promote the new scheme and get public feedback about what the service should include, the groups are hosting a coffee and cakes morning today (Thursday) at The Viva Centre.

The event will run from 10am to 12.30pm and admission is free. Dial-a-ride transport is free for those who need it and can be booked by ringing the Viva Centre on 01353 722228.