Councillor Pat Hawkes justifies the closure of Gladys May's home by telling readers her own mother enjoyed the respite and day care offered by Larchwood during the time she needed support in caring for her mother - a service to be denied to the family seeking to care for Gladys.

The day care and respite resources offered by Larchwood are to be withdrawn in favour of a different kind of service.

Councillors seem to be putting a case for either/or when it is very clear that Government regulations have already cost this city dear in the number of care home beds available.

There seems to be a panic to spend the new money the council has been offered and this has led to the easiest option to be put forward - bulldoze a building already in council ownership and rebuild. Little thought seems to have been given to the impact of the loss of the existing service.

I hope during the next few weeks Coun Hawkes will reflect on the wonderful care received by her mother and allow others to continue to receive the same support.

-Jenny Barnard-Langston, Portslade