A PENSIONER lay dead in his bathroom for up to three weeks before his body was discovered at a sheltered housing complex in Bolton.

Horrified residents at St George’s Court in Bolton town centre say they are appalled that it took so long before Graham Morrison, aged 67, was found.

A neighbour raised the alarm after seeing a pair of trousers lying in the same place on his bed each day.

When checks were made on Friday, March 16, Mr Morrison’s body was found on the bathroom floor.

The complex, off Topp Way, is monitored by a housing officer but residents have an option to receive daily calls and weekly checks.

Mr Morrison had opted out of the scheme, which costs nearly £4 a week, meaning he was only checked on once every four weeks.

It is understood that Mr Morrison was last seen by residents on Thursday, February 23.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “He was lying dead on the bathroom floor for three weeks. It is a shocking state of affairs.

“A lot of people in this building are very upset about this. It could have happened to any one of us.

“It used to be compulsory to have the warden but now people can opt out. It includes a quick call in the morning but people feel that you don’t get a lot for it, and the money can add up for us pensioners.”

A relative of another resident added: “I am just appalled that something like this could happen at sheltered accommodation.”

Bolton at Home, which runs the complex, defended the system, however, saying it was important for residents to have their independence.

The organisation said Mr Morrison regularly travelled to Malta for holidays.

A spokesman for Bolton at Home said: “We offer a daily intercom call and weekly visit to all St George’s residents.

“Because Mr Morrison was an exceptionally independent man, who took regular holidays, he chose to opt out of this service.

“However, he did receive a visit every four weeks. Our thoughts and condolences are with Mr Morrison’s family and friends at this sad time.”

Professor Arup Banerjee, president of the Bolton Over 50s Federation, said: “I cannot comment on St George’s Court specifically, but generally there is a problem in Bolton with the standard of care for older people.

“I think the authorities need to tighten their belts and be more vigilant. People are now being given an option and are taking the money, rather than arranging care.

“When you have frail and vulnerable people they do not always know what is best for them.”