Coun Linda Townsend (Your Letters, February 14) says Leadon Bank, in Ledbury, is "a home, a real home. The staff are like family and we don't want to lose this". I couldn't agree more.

For eight years my mother Nelly received loving care at the hands of staff at the home for the elderly despite suffering from progressive senility. They were always there for her every need, treating her with the respect and dignity all of us would wish in our autumn years.

Last summer Nelly fell dangerously ill and was transferred to the new Community Hospital. The nurses there were marvellously supportive during the last three traumatic weeks of Nelly's life as she battled the illness which eventually took her from us.

But in the few restive moments during our bedside vigil they told of the despondency and disillusionment of working for those running the hospital, in which our growing town has placed great hope.

And who runs the Community Hospital? Shaw Homes, the same body which is now set to take over Leadon Bank. Will we soon see the same despair from staff at Leadon Bank?

Mary Gladwin, Queen's Way, Ledbury.