I AM responding to Mike Bentley's article regarding his "tongue-in- cheek" version of obese, grey-haired hooligans in motorised wheelchairs and battericars causing mayhem on the streets of Britain (Saturday Soundoff, April 2).

I take issue with him for generalising the subject and maligning disabled people who depend on these mobility aids to improve their independence and dignity. It is a sensitive subject I know who have taken offence to Mike's damning and distasteful article.

I have run a fleet of 12 battericars on behalf of Easingwold District Lions for more than ten years.

All our users have to apply with appropriate medical support from their GP before being instructed in the use and restrictions of the machines.

In all this time I have only had one claim because of an accident which was not the user's fault but that of a negligent car driver.

These battericars are not handed out "willy-nilly" by the health or social authorities. People have to buy them (at considerable expense) or hire from organisations such as ours.

Our users are of various ages, hair colour and weight - not everyone is grey-haired, obese and maniacal as Mike Bentley implies.

Before writing about other similar sensitive subjects I suggest you get your facts right first and keep your tongue firmly between your teeth Mr Bentley, not just in your cheek.

Your distasteful article is worthy of a public apology to the many offended disabled people hurt by your unworthy comments.

John Lancaster,

Chairman,

Community services

committee,

Easingwold District Lions,

Tholthorpe,

York.

Updated: 09:27 Friday, April 22, 2005