REGARDING the proposed closure of old people's homes, I feel sick, angry, and bitter. How can this country treat its old folk in this way?

Doesn't the Government, Lancashire County Council, and Blackburn with Darwen Council realise that this is the age group that bore the brunt of England's fight against tyranny and oppression in the war and now find them replaced by petty (elected) dictators in their own homeland.

The comments in your newspaper by some of those under threat of eviction expressed their despair more than adequately. But have we not been down this road in Blackburn before?

Two homes were closed in the interests of economy two years ago, with no money to spend on them for our own people. Yet it could be found to change perfectly good baths for showers at the Laneside home on Shorrock Lane, refurbish them and then in asylum seekers.

I agree wholeheartedly with Sam Spence (Letters, February 12) about being able to find money to support half the world but not our own people.

County Councillor Chris Cheetham believes this is "the best for the future." Lancashire County Council's maybe, but certainly not for the people who will be displaced. He asks for alternatives. I have a few for him, all councils and the government:

Stop sending so much money abroad. Look after our own first.

Stop spending ridiculous amounts on so-called street art.

Leave our Red Rose alone.

Do as suggested by Jean Crowther (Letters, February 12) -- re-categorise pensioners as asylum seekers and money will be found for them.

Think twice before giving yourselves pay and expenses increases. Remember the 75p pensioners got.

County Councillor Cheetham is right when he says we can't go on as we are. He can start by stopping the targeting of the vulnerable. Let our old people live the rest of their lives in peace -- that's what they fought for, that's what they deserve.

D EDDLESTON (Mrs), Arnside Crescent, Feniscowles, Blackburn.