I CHALLENGE Councillors Peter Britcliffe and Gordon Birtwistle in their view that Telecare Services which support older people and those with disabilities are a "waste of time".

As a local authority, Lancashire County Council is rising to the challenge and working closely with partner agencies, including the NHS, housing providers and district councils, in developing and providing services that support people in their own homes.

Most people naturally want to stay in their own home and remain independent for as long as possible.

For older people, in particular, sometimes there comes a time when you need extra support at home. This could be a consequence of a bad fall, recent discharge from hospital after an illness or resulting lack of confidence to manage on your own.

Advances in technology mean we are now able to install a variety of electronic devices and sensors designed to provide constant monitoring of the home and the well-being of the occupant.

Telecare Services help provide support, reassurance and activate an early response if someone needs urgent assistance.

This is designed to support care in the community and supplement existing care packages. It can also be a relief and peace of mind for relatives who care from someone.

We are determined to make this work and so I would rather it was slow and successful than hasty and a failure.

We have trained over 1300 staff from ourselves, the NHS, district councils and the voluntary sector in the referral and issue of Telecare.

We have also made presentations to a variety of groups representing carers and other interested groups.

We need to build people's confidence in this technology and our commitment. Counss Britcliffe and Birtwistle only undermine the system and confidence with their ill thought out and ill informed comments.

I am pleased to see that the respondents to the report on the Lancashire Telegraph website show much more sense than either of the two councillors.

Readers who are interested in Telecare can contact your local social services office or Housing Pendle on 01282 873767.

CHRIS CHEETHAM, cabinet member, adult & community services, Lancashire County Council