SIR: I read the headlines about there being '£1m to help the elderly'. I am glad someone has noticed there's a lot of us about.

I am waiting for a hip replacement and am now having problems with my other hip. For several days I had been unable to walk at all, just shuffle around holding onto chairs or the walls.

I decided on March 6 to stop being independent and seek help. I phoned social services and explained my problem and was told someone would be around to see me. I waited over four hours and then contacted them again. After speaking to a lady and being told the line was engaged, she then asked for my telephone number saying someone would ring back (no one did).

I felt Social Services had treated me shabbily. I don't doubt someone will arrive at my home eventually

J Rutter

Queensway, Kearsley

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.