THE "grey" vote is one that aspiring Westminster hopefuls ignore at their peril.

With an increasing number of people living to riper old ages, they make up a significant number of electors.

Their influence spreads even further, however, than their one-man - or one-woman - vote.

Chancellors of the Exchequer have been roundly condemned by the population at large whenever they have been viewed as stingy in awarding increases in basic state pensions in their Budgets.

The public is invariably on the side of senior citizens who they feel have worked all their lives and should be entitled to enjoy their retirements, unburdened by financial worries.

Evesham and District Pensioners' Association has lost no time in issuing an open letter to candidates standing in the Mid Worcestershire constituency, outlining members' concerns and spelling out what they would like to see the MP eventually elected address on their behalf.

The association's president, Lillian Sodeau, says that Britain could be "a difficult place in which to grow old".

She explains: "The country may have grown in wealth over the last decade but older people have not all shared in this wealth, as the state pension falls further behind in value.

"What kind of country forces its oldest citizens to choose between eating and buying a new winter's coat?

"What kind of country is it asks people who have paid taxes all their lives to pay for care when they need it in their older age?"

Eking out meagre pension provision is just one aspect of the problems facing the elderly, says the association, blatant prejudice is another.

"Older people also face discrimination on a daily basis, in employment, in the health service and as consumers," says Mrs Sodeau.

"This discrimination is based on the unfounded assumption that older people have got little to contribute or they cannot learn new skills or that their health and welfare is of less value than other groups in our population.

"It is a problem which requires both legislation and a campaign to change the attitudes and practice of people throughout our society."

Older people are in danger of losing touch with the rest of the community.

"There are also a large number of older people who are isolated in our society - from friends and family or from work and leisure opportunities or even from the local shops," says Mrs Sodeau.

"Reliable and affordable public transport can make all the difference to these people, who are more likely to be without a car than any other group in our society."

In a direct appeal to all the candidates, regardless of their political views or affiliations, Mrs Sodeau says: "I would like to know if you are committed to:

helping our country plan for an ageing population.

Ensure that older people do not retire to a life of poverty.

That we can live in independence as equal members of society, not as a resented burden.

That we will have opportunities to work, volunteer, participate and learn in our later years.

That we can stay in touch with our friends and family and part of our community."

Mid Worcestershire's candidates would be well advised to take pensioner's views on board.