WE are all aware of the issues surrounding the move of hospital services from Kidderminster to Worcester.

I was shocked last week to receive a call from my mother-in-law who had had to go to Worcester to be with her elderly mother who had suffered a heart attack.

The incident had happened at 1am in the morning and, due to not being able to drive, my mother-in-law had called a taxi.

You can imagine her surprise when, after completion of the 12-mile 20-minute drive, she was asked for the fare - a whopping great £40!

We realise that the time of travel would have an adverse impact on the cost but surely, given the distance and time of the journey, this is nothing short of extortion.

It's disgraceful that, at a time when people are vulnerable and anxious, others can profit from their misfortune.

If this fare is indicative of the norm then elderly, vulnerable Kidderminster dwellers will simply be unable to afford to be ill.

JIM DREW

Barnetts Close

Kidderminster