Madam, last Monday I witnessed a scene which I will have great difficulty forgetting. I was visiting the Chestnuts to say goodbye to a friend who is being moved up near Birmingham. While there I went to see another friend who is to be moved today, during my visit a 91 year old lady was brought in to say goodbye. She had served in the Land Army and was being taken to a home in rural Herefordshire where it will be impossible for her family to visit unless they have a car. The two friends cried terribly at being parted.

What have these people done to be treated in this inhumane way?

There are many rumours and strong feelings in the town. Many older people do not have computers and so have not been able to read the Editor's blog on the Ross Gazette website, so they do not know the reasons the Trustees have given for The Chestnuts closing. It seems to me the Council blames the trustees and the trustees blame the Council. And in the middle of this confusion are the devastated residents, also there are the dedicated caring staff who have to find new jobs at a time of high unemployment

As I wrote in my previous letter, if there were financial difficulties, I am sure a rescue plan could have been put together, even if it was only short term until a permanent solution could be found. Twenty years ago the townspeople were consulted and the present trustees saved The Chestnuts.

With the news of the closure only being made public on June 22nd and the residents having to vacate by the end of July it did not give sufficient time for any action to be taken!

Margaret Wilce, Ross