MADAM, I, like others, was very upset to be told that the RVS Friday Lunch Club at the Ryefield Centre was being forced to look for new premises. I have been going to this club for the last 15 years. It is a very popular club, it provides companionship, the premises and the helpers are excellent and for some older people it is their only opportunity to get out. This is an essential service for the elderly, particularly if you want us to stay in our homes.

I would like to remind the councillors that they will hopefully all grow older one day and where will they themselves go if they close all the available facilities? The local councillors claim that they, like us, only had three weeks notice. Where were the four councillors who supposedly represent us on the Herefordshire Council. Were they told? If so, why didn't they stick up for Ross residents? If they really didn't know, why weren't they consulted? It makes me wonder who really controls our councils and do they really have the interests of the residents of Ross at heart?

Mrs P Smith, Fonteyne Court, Ross.