A group campaigning for the rights of elderly people collected 199 signatures on a petition at the weekend.

A group campaigning for the rights of elderly people collected 199 signatures on a petition at the weekend.

Members of the Redbridge Pensioners’ Forum took to Redbridge Central Library in Clements Road, Ilford, to ask residents to support them in calling for a dignity code to be introduced in the borough.

The event was staged on national Dignity Action Day.

Chairman John Coombes said: “We were really pleased; we had quite a lot of young people signing the petition along with people of all ages.

“The more people we can make aware, the better.”

The forum is asking Redbridge Council to agree to the National Pensioners Convention’s dignity code.

Clauses include respect for people’s personal wishes as expressed in “living wills,” for when they cannot express themselves clearly, the need for care to be adapted to individual needs and support for people in maintaining their hygiene and appearance.

The code also states “unacceptable” practices including treating elderly people abusively and them not being permitted treatment because of their age.

Mr Coombes added: “The whole thing is understanding the needs of the elderly - it is about dignity. These things are not what we deserve but what we require; we need the help now as we get older.”

A spokesman for the council said: “Redbridge was one of the first councils in the country to support the Dignity in Care challenge campaign and has done so for many years.”