I WAS interested to read Simon Heng's letter in the Shuttle/Times and News (June 16) about the closure of Freda Eddy Court.

I would welcome the opportunity to make one or two points.

I certainly agree that the building did need to be brought up to date, with proper flats for residents instead of bedsits.

There is a need for better liaison between Social Services and housing providers so that residents can move on when they are ready, instead of being stuck and becoming institutionalised.

However, Freda Eddy Court enjoys a wonderful central location, allowing residents to access the town centre and use its facilities.

As the ex-manager of Freda Eddy Court I do believe there is a need for a place where people who have a newly acquired disability or are first leaving home can safely learn how to live independently.

There are still huge gaps in the provision of care in the community and I know from personal observation that people are often left in a vulnerable situation because of unreliable systems of providing care.

It does need to be acknowledged that some people are more able to cope with living independently than others.

I would also like to point out that respite is an important resource for both the person with the disability and their family and carers.

Although consultation did take place, I do not recognise the proposed new service is the one agreed during the process.

I would urge the local authority not to "throw the baby out with the bath water".

As a society we need to recognise that this is sometimes the case with "modernisation," leaving the most vulnerable in our community without a service they really need.

Finally, I would like to say that the staff at Freda Eddy Court are a committed and skilled team and I am sure they will offer an excellent service in their changed role.

I just think it is a pity a resource that has helped so many disabled people has been lost.

ELIZABETH BEST

Franchise Street

Kidderminster