THE letter from Elspeth Wollen (EA, May 15) advocating uncontrolled immigration to the UK displays the mentality of an ostrich.

We live in a country which refuses to make adequate provisions for its elderly infirm citizens, which is so financially incompetent that millions of its workers are now informed that their pension funds are insolvent.

A country where hospital facilities have been overwhelmed by numbers. A road network facing gridlock for the same reason.

The damage to race relations of uncontrolled illegal immigration was demonstrated during the recent local elections by the support given to the BNP candidates. One is entitled to ask why young men fleeing from oppressive regimes have not stood their ground and endeavoured to bring in a new order.

I am old enough to remember that those joining our trade union in Swindon faced dismissal from certain employers if this information came to their knowledge. The freedoms we enjoy were secured by the struggles against tyranny by such as the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

Those fleeing from dictatorial regimes should be doing likewise.

The ludicrous figure of two per cent quoted by your correspondent of refugees and asylum seekers invading our shores is an insult to readers of your newspaper.

FRANK AVENELL

Swindon