AS a long-time carer, I have considerable experience of working with Bury social services and local politicians. I was therefore amazed and disgusted by a leaflet from one Conservative candidate.

To me, this candidate seemed to be suggesting that elderly people could die as a result of Labour councillors' actions with regard to the closure of old peoples' homes. This is not only shameful but is scaremongering of the worst kind.

I have studied the council's proposals for elderly care and am satisfied that they actually increase choice and independence for older people and their relatives. Incidentally, the social services inspectorate, the local Primary Care Trust, and the professional executive committee composed of doctors, nurses and other health professionals, support these proposals.

In 2002, Conservative councillors actually proposed a massive cut in the community care budget. Furthermore, when the council budget was set this year, they refused to vote for Labour proposals to put extra money into residential care.

So who really does care about elderly people?

PAULINE JAMIESON