Madam, Sandie Cotterell has been kind enough to share with me her letter to you regarding The Chestnuts. I spoke to Sandie directly last week, but I thought it might be helpful to clarify one or two matters publicly as well.

The facts are these: I have been arguing the case for The Chestnuts with the Council for several months. With my support and at my request the two local (Town and County) Councillors have also been closely involved. My staff have also had extended dealings with the key people at The Chestnuts, and with local people who have been deeply concerned about it.

This matter has not concerned the issue of rent alone, but questions of care policy as well as the treatment of residents. I have not been privy to the negotiations, and it would have been quite wrong for me to 'go public' on this issue while they were in progress. It would also have been deeply contrary to the wishes of both parties, and to the interests of the residents. But in the event I was given no notice of the closure, or of the very short time-scale involved.

It is true that The Chestnuts has been a great example of Big Society community spirit. Its closure will be a sad day for Ross, and very disruptive and difficult for those living there. But it is not a party-political matter. One of the great evils of the current financial mess we are in, is that it can drag down even much-loved institutions.

I know that local Councillors, Council staff and the Trustees of the Chestnuts are working together to safeguard residents. I will of course do all that I can to support them.

Jesse Norman MP