MADAM, Staff at The Chestnuts organised a party for residents, families and friends before everyone is moved out. This was the first opportunity many families had to meet to discuss the suddeness of the closure.

As well as the issue regarding increased rent, future income and fees are being cited as a major concern. The ethics of the charitable trust are to treat all equally, and the recent situation has been that, due to low fees paid by Herefordshire Council, LA funded residents are effectively being subsidised by the self-funding.

Trustees have not however, asked if people are unhappy with this situation or if they would be prepared to pay more. Looking at private care homes, it is clear fees will be an average of £50-£100 more elsewhere in any case. Better to stay at The Chestnuts and pay more to a non-profit making organisation – but this option has not be discussed.

Trustees are all volunteers, giving up their time and expertise for the good of the community, they are to be applauded for their selfless work over the last 20 years. It is a shame that lack of dialogue with those directly affected and short notice of the shock announcement has resulted in views towards them being soured.

Our MP - Jesse Norman - author of the book 'The Big Society' has been conspicuous by his absence in Ross, despite being lobbied by many. When I spoke to him he assured me he was still doing all he could to help, the situation sounded hopeful and I felt some optimism. Regrettably I have heard nothing since, despite contacting his office on several occasions.

We are talking about the lives of frail elderly people in their twilight years, two are aged over 100. My mother is in her nineties and was devastated by the shock news of The Chestnuts closure. I am seriously concerned for her health given the stress of the situation. Like all the other residents she is happy and does not want to move from her home, friends, and wonderful caring staff who have all been in tears over this.

Judy Brown,

Bishopswood