AN ELECTRICIAN says authorities "let down" his neighbour, who was found dead in her flat six weeks after he raised the alarm.

James Spring was devastated to hear his 77-year-old neighbour Eileen Hersey had been dead in the adjacent flat for weeks.

Mr Spring, of Heavitree Road, Plumstead, had chatted to Miss Hersey during the past four years and occasionally helped her with shopping.

He became concerned in early February after knocking on her door and getting no reply.

On February 7, Mr Spring, 51, reported his concern to staff at Greenwich's Council rents office but was told he was not entitled to information on the pensioner because he was not a relative.

Mr Spring's mother Gloria, who cut Miss Hersey's hair, then called the council's social service department to try and find out more.

She was told Miss Hersey had suffered a fall and was in hospital so the Springs presumed she was being cared for.

But on March 16 council officers and police broke into Miss Hersey's home, after realising rent had not been paid, and discovered her body.

The council was aware of Mr Spring's visit to the rents office but claim they cannot trace the phone call from Mrs Spring.

Mr Spring said: "I was devastated to hear she had been dead in there all that time.

"I tried to tell them there was something wrong but the people in the rents office ignored me.

"They tell you to keep an eye out for your neighbours but then don't do anything about it when you do. They have let her down."

Mrs Spring's fall actually happened in December and the pensioner was not in hospital as the family claim to have been told by social services.

Mr Spring continued: "As soon as someone raises the alarm about the elderly, it should be looked into, not just when the rent stops."

A Greenwich Council spokes-man said: "We can confirm Older People's Services did contact Miss Hersey after she had been taken to the A&E department following a fall in December.

"She said she was able to look after herself and did not want assistance from social services.

"There are no reports of any further concerns being referred to us.

"In March, attempts were made to contact Miss Hersey about her rent payment not having been received.

"This led to a housing officer making a home visit, but it was not possible to gain entry.

"The police were called, and a forced entry was made into her home, where her body was found."