IN the Gazette of October 26 you report the increase of charges to be imposed from April 2001 by North Wiltshire District Council for the Lifeline Alarm Service, a true life saver for 1,200 vulnerable and elderly persons .

Your account states the cost increase to those in sheltered housing will rise from being presently free to £8.82 per quarter but fails to note that the increase for persons in their own accommodation will rise from £12.50 to £21.25 per quarter, a 60 per cent rise.

In addition new entrants to the scheme will have to pay a quarterly charge of £29.75.

The council lays the blame for such large increases on inflation, a hardly sustainable argument with inflation currently running at three per cent.

Although consideration is offered to users who have difficulty paying, there is a reluctance on the part of the elderly to take what is seen as charity.

While there may be grounds for a modest increase in charges, the agreement of the council's Liberal Democrat - Labour controlled executive for such an imposition on this vulnerable section of the community is inexcusable.

My approaches to the leader of the council and the portfolio holder on the executive to reconsider the matter have been rebuffed.

ADRIAN BISHOP

Independent Group Councillor

North Wiltshire District Council