Ms Hughes' job as warden is now safe

Jen Hughes, 53, was told in April that her job as warden for six elderly people at a Machynlleth sheltered housing complex was on the line.

The job scare was part of Powys Council's review which found that many tenants in the county did not need the standard service provided by wardens.

On Saturday, Ms Hughes and other residents held on to the suspect for about an hour until police arrived.

I was very worried about the future because in April I was told that I could lose my job Jen Hughes, warden

After the incident, she said: "Powys council is considering taking away resident wardens.

"If these people didn't have a warden where would they be in a situation like this."

But on Thursday Ms Hughes was told by the council's social services that her job is safe and she can continue to care for the elderly people she protected last Saturday.

"I was very worried about the future because in April I was told that I could lose my job," she said.

"I would do anything for my people and that is what I was thinking about when I clung onto the suspect."

Roz Thomas, the council's principal service manager for provider services, confirmed that wardens like Ms Hughes who reside in flats will not lose their jobs.

Ms Hughes and other residents clung onto the suspect for an hour

She added: "She was very brave and within the warden's contract we would not expect her to do what she did."

The new service, which the council decided should be linked more closely with social care, health and the voluntary sector is now available to older council tenants living in housing apart from sheltered accommodation.

"The service is now more flexible and available to a wider range of people and we will be appointing five senior wardens to support the existing wardens," added Ms Thomas.

The changes are part of a 10-year-plan to change the service for elderly tenants.

When asked if any wardens would lose their jobs as part of the changes, Ms Thomas said: "We are currently in the middle of a consultation process and it is too early to make a comment about this."