I WONDERED how long it would take for Labour to blame the Conservatives for the present problems in social services, even though the policy on the treatment of the elderly was supported by all parties.

I do not disagree with the policy endorsed by leader Councillor John Byrne (Your Letters, Sept 13) that people should live in the community. My concern is with the way in which the council and social services have gone about implementing care in the community.

The closure of residential homes owned by the local authority and the subsequent placing of those occupants in private residential homes is not "care in the community".

Bury's failure to consult properly with the residents and family members is appalling and it is that lack of consultation, Coun Byrne, that leaves Bury Council open to the charge of failing its electorate, many of them too frail to fight back. In fact, Bury Council has failed in many respects. One-star from the Audit Commission, one-star from the Social Services Inspectorate, a failure to understand the basic documentation that went with care standards and, to top it all, social services an anticipated £3.1 million in the red (Bury Times, Sept 13).

Because of their total disregard of the vociferous minority and a very large public petition, not forgetting the 382 residents in council-run homes, I now challenge Coun Byrne to publicly apologise for this council's utter contempt for the home life and sanctuary of these elderly residents.

Please, Coun Byrne, just stop and think for a moment about the real meaning of the words "care" and "community".

DAVID J. OGDEN,

Countess Lane,

Radcliffe.