REGARDING the proposed closure of Lancashire County Council homes for the elderly (LET, March 1), council leader Hazel Harding says that when she is old, she does not wish to be "shunted" into a care home but wants to be surrounded by her own possessions in her own home, with her own front door and key. Don't we all just?

With respect, I would like to remind Coun Coun Harding in the real world that is precisely what we would all hope and indeed pray for. But that is not always possible.

And there are many reasons for this, especially for those of us in advancing years who often find that it becomes impossible, or at least unrealistic, to carry on living alone, and in some cases even unsafe to do so.

Surely as a person of integrity, Coun Harding must realise this?

However, I hope she is spared to live a long and healthy life -- in her own home -- but at the same time, perhaps she could just reflect a little on her words, and spare a little clemency for those who may just not be so fortunate.

E CARR (Mrs), Redvers Road, Darwen.