STRATFORD pensioners have linked up to fight for a better deal from the Government.

Members of SCAN, the Stratford Senior Citizens Action Network, have written to the Prime Minister asking for a range of changes they believe will make life better for all retired people.

SCAN chairman Peggy Joslin says groups around the country supported the move and they would work together to lobby for change, no matter how long it took.

The group, which was officially launched last month after members of the old Senior People's Forum opted for a more dynamic outlook, told the Prime Minister it was supporting the National Pensioner's Convention in its campaign to get pensions index linked.

The planned £5 pension rise was welcomed, said the group, but for a more "realistic and just" standard of living the state pension should be linked to inflation and means testing should be abolished because complicated forms mean many pensioners miss out on their entitlements.

As well as concerns over pensions, members told Tony Blair they had "grave concerns" over the funding of long-term care for older people and the cut-off age for free television licences, which they believed should be reduced to 65.

"There are thousands and thousands of pensioners who daily help out in hospitals or with charities in their community," concluded the letter.

"This effort is given freely, so saving the Government a great deal of expenditure. It is time this effort was acknowledged by a better deal for pensioners."

Mrs Joslin said the group was not planning on just making a protest, but would be pressing for real change over the coming months.

"We have national support and we will all be fighting to get change and a fair deal for the over 60s from the Government," she said. "This is only the start."