I HAVE not written to 'Your Views' for some time. But now I would like some answers from MPs etc.

I live alone, but we are well looked after by our new warden, Julie, and I'd like her to know it. Also, I pay for Home Care and Careline. MPs keep saying they will help OAPs. Well, I read that the TV licence will go up to £109 next year. I pay full rate, yet the programmes are repeats and also rubbish. How come the 75-year-olds will soon get free TV? So I will be helping to pay towards their TV licence. I'm disabled. I need to stay in a lot in winter. It should be free TV for all OAPs, or everyone pay at least half.

I pay more water rates for my flat than a family of three or four living nearby. Brian Derbyshire has a better chance of running our Council. I think the MPs should look at the way Home Carers go out in the worst of weathers to bring our shopping etc. I would never have managed. Thanks, Richard, for your kindness also.

We pay rent for Council property and rates, yet there is no money for repairs to be done. But money is wasted on fountains. I could go on and on for ever. We OAPs are afraid to go out in case we get mugged. It's time you realised we worked hard when we were young. They said 'save hard for your old age', but you're penalised if you do.

The NHS is bad. I have been waiting to go to a pain clinic for a long time. I've even paid for some private treatment. Why should I? I've voted Labour always, except not for the last two years. I didn't vote at all.

It's dangerous to travel by plane, train, coach, ships. I worry for my family travelling on these dangerous roads today -- with road rage etc. You watch TV and read the BEN. It's all doom and gloom.

So get your act together. You need our votes too. I pity what would happen to us should the Tories get in again -- I really do.

I remember, as a young girl, going to pay sixpence (in old money) off our doctor's bill. We lived in a two up-two down -- no electricity, no hot water -- only gas mantles to read by. No bathroom. Not even a toilet inside. But we left our doors open, neighbours helped each other, and we were happy -- but poor. We need houses for our own people, not for the illegal immigrants. I feel sorry for them, but, let's face it -- charity begins at home. And better deals for sick people.

(name and address supplied)