As the voluntary organisation, which since 1972 has been representing older people living in and around the Dengie Hundred, we are most disappointed by the decision of Maldon District Council to reject the plan for a one-stop- shop in Burnham.

The building, already available, is situated in the centre of town, accessible by foot and bus which is vital if it is to be an information centre for statutory and voluntary agencies such as Maldon District Council, Dengie Project Trust, Arthritis Care, Age Concern Essex with staff to assist personal callers.

It is envisaged that people coping with the increasing problems of old age, loneliness, financial and social skills would be offered support, advice and information with the added well-being of contact with the police and neighbourhood watch schemes.

The mayor spoke of dealing with unruly people'. We can assure her that the day the elderly of this town become unruly, we, as the poet Jenny Joseph says, will have taken to wearing purple, red hats and running our walking sticks along public railings.

P M B Robertson
Chairman, Two Rivers Age Concern