Man's body lay undiscovered for two weeks

It was only after repeated complaints about an unpleasant smell in the building from other residents that the source was investigated.

Horrified fellow residents at The Hermitage sheltered accommodation block are now demanding to know how a frail, elderly tenant could die in his room without anyone being aware there was a problem.

The Observer understands the first alarm to be raised was a call by residents to the council's environmental health department after an unpleasant odour was detected.

When it became clear that something was seriously wrong, Orbit Housing Association, which owns and runs the building in Holmesdale Gardens, Hastings, said it immediately sent a member of staff to the building with a master key.

Police were called to the purpose-built block of one-bed sheltered flats at around 11am last Friday and discovered the body of the 83-year-old man alone in his bedroom.

Police yesterday named the man as Joseph George Welch.

The body was positioned close to a central heating radiator and decomposition had advanced.

A police spokesman said: "Although it appeared that the man had died some days previously, there were no suspicious circumstances and the coroner was duly informed."

Following a post-mortem, it was established that Mr Welch had died from natural causes.

The Orbit spokesman said: "The Hermitage scheme does not have a warden but each flat is fitted with a lifeline alarm for residents to contact the Orbit response unit in an emergency. Sadly, on this occasion, the lifeline wasn't used."

Said one resident: "They call this sort of place 'sheltered'.

"I don't know how 'sheltered' it can be when something like this can happen. It's absolutely horrifying. Folk here are very upset about it."

The Hermitage provides accommodation for people over 55 and for those with disabilities.

Couples are permitted but the residents are mainly single people.

Orbit declined to comment on whether a resident warden would now be considered for the block.