SIR: May I express my concern about the Social Services proposal to close three High Dependency Units in the Bolton area. One of these units was a life saver for my family and I.

We relied on the staff to allow my mother to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life. What has happened to the money the government gave the Bolton Council? The money which is for sheltered housing. I read about it in the Bolton Evening News.

Why should these elderly people have to leave their homes, just because they need a little more care in their later years?

It cannot be about money. Surely the Social Services' finance department can look at the matter again and rearrange the monies in a better order to accommodate the units, and save a lot of upset for these old people involved.

£50,000 among three units only amounts to £17,000 each. What is the sense in this? What has happened to the care in the community? Is this not one of Bolton Social Services' own statements?

At the end of the day I think the people it involves should have a say. They went into these units in the belief that they would be cared for around the clock 24 hours a day with help and advice whenever needed.

They are promised social activities, meals if needed and carers on hand to see to their every need. Surely the department have to honour these promises.

Please, Social Services, reconsider this move for the sake of these people. It's going to affect them and their families. Don't uproot these elderly people unnecessarily.

?Mrs H Cook

Chorley Street

Bolton

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