Elderly woman found dead in her bungalow

A woman in her late 70s was found dead at her bungalow in a sheltered housing complex.

Police and the ambulance service were the called to an address in Little Chequers, Wye, on Saturday afternoon.

The woman who has been named locally as Betty Apps, a well-known face in Wye.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “Everyone knew her as Bet and I used to see her in the village and at the hospice fete.

“I know she hadn’t been seen for a few days and noticed that her curtains were pulled shut but thought she might have been ill. It’s such a shame.”

Another neighbour said: “I understand that a relative called at the bungalow and was concerned because they couldn’t get in.

“It was only on Tuesday that a friend of mine talked with Betty so this is very unexpected.

“It makes you feel that you should have known about it, or done more to help.

“Betty was well liked in the village and always pleasant and nice. She liked to chat to people and she loved her garden.”

Betty was said to be unmarried and with no children, although she had close family living near by.

Betty lived in the Luckley House sheltered housing complex of bungalows and flats, which is managed by Ashford Borough Council.

A police spokesman said they were called to an address in Little Chequers, Wye, at 2.35pm on Saturday following concern for the occupant’s welfare.

He added: “Officers and Secamb attended and t he woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Next of kin have been informed. We are not treating the death as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.”

‘It makes you feel that you should have known about it, or done more to help’