The charge would be a double whammy for residents at Jedworth Loaning Sheltered Housing (JLSH) on Manse Road, Bearsden, and the other five sheltered housing complexes in East Dunbartonshire, as they are already fighting protracted ongoing proposals to reduce the 24 hour warden service at each establishment.

This latest blow to residents, brought in by the council's Labour/Tory administration in February's budget, shocked those affected.

Resident Alex Davidson, who is also secretary of JLSH Association, said he had learnt about this latest development very recently through the grapevine and was particularly angry at the 'underhand way' it was put through by the administration.

Mr Davidson (65) said he is determined to fight the implementation of these charges which were previously rejected at a council meeting in November.

Then, the charge was opposed by the eight SNP councillors, three
LibDems and two independent councillors.

The issue was buried in the budget vote in February, and got through because the ruling administration split the opposition vote.

Mr Davidson said: "This budget decision cannot be challenged for six months, but when it can be debated again I am assured the SNP, LibDems and two independents will vote against it."

What has shocked Mr Davidson is that the charges will be means tested.

The retired Castlehill Primary School caretaker blasted: "This is a half-baked proposal. It is still unclear if the charge will apply to households or individuals and what the charging period will be."

In an e-email to his SNP colleagues, Bearsden North Councillor Graeme Douglas said: "This is going to cost some sheltered housing residents £700 a year. This is your call as to whether this gets stopped. I've already spoken to Charles Kennedy and he will back a motion after the six months to reverse this.

"You opposed these changes in November. I hope you intend to do this again now."

The warden charges also affect sheltered housing at Stonedyke in Bearsden, Park Road in Milngavie, The Rowans in Bishopbriggs, Stockiemuir Road in Bearsden and Burnbank in Milngavie.