Bottom line

SIR, — For the past 11 years I have been working with elderly and vulnerable people in and around St Albans. During this time I have seen the quality and provision of care deteriorate through cuts in the service. This is not a reflection on any individual

SIR, - For the past 11 years I have been working with elderly and vulnerable people in and around St Albans. During this time I have seen the quality and provision of care deteriorate through cuts in the service. This is not a reflection on any individual as there are many dedicated and hard-working people working in this field, but rather finance seems to be the bottom line. This is an affluent area and surely we want to look after the most vulnerable in society.

A few weeks ago I started to hear rumours about the closure, or partial closure, of the Jubilee Centre. For many this centre is a lifeline - their opportunity to get a hot meal, socialise or maybe take a bath - which is a luxury for some. Meals on Wheels also use the Jubilee Centre.

Instead of more housing in the city centre, surely we could fund a custom-built facility for the many elderly in the community who still have so much to offer and would thrive in this setting. We are a city of "firsts" - for example first Christian martyr. How fantastic is would be if we could set an example of caring for and treating the elder people in our vicinity with respect. They deserve it.

NIKKI WATSON,

Lynton Avenue, St Albans.