It's right that frail pensioners living in sheltered housing should be given help with their shopping.

But it's wrong that they should be charged a £7.75 fee for this service when supermarkets are only a few hundred metres down the road.

That is what's happening to elderly people across West Sussex, particularly those living at Marten House in Burgess Hill who are given extra care by West Sussex County Council because they are housebound.

Outside agencies have been brought in and the residents have to pay a fixed charge both for this and to have their laundry done in the building.

They are also being given less care including the number of assisted baths and visits to the doctor or optician.

These measures are being taken to save money but they may prove to be a false economy. If any of the residents have to go into care it will cost society far more than giving them help in sheltered housing.