Wychavon District Council has given Nellie Copson a cruel choice, either she forfeits the right to even retire or, at the age of 81, she moves away from the home where she has lived for so many years.

Clearly the premises where Nellie lives should cease to be business premises for her lifetime and the council should forego business rates normally chargeable there on.

When younger people move in who wish to start a business again, then the authority will naturally demand the appropriate rates again.

Wychavon District Council's attitude is in line with that of the county council, however.

The latter incurred a deficit of £4.6 million largely as a result of paying the incredible sum of £100,000 per child in care, or so it seems. The elderly are required to make most of the sacrifices necessary to clear this deficit, apparently.

The national media and the politicians have the temerity to criticise the authorities in other countries for their treatment of people! They should look nearer home.

D E MARGRETT,

May Avenue,

Worcester.