I HAVE to address the inaccuracies in Mary Urmston's letter about the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) and Connaught Court (March 2).

Of the 86 residents at Connaught Court, 71 are from Yorkshire. That means 83 per cent are local, not 65 per cent as she suggests.

The RMBI was set up specifically to care for older freemasons and their female dependants, so it is not surprising the facilities are for their use.

However, if the residents were not cared for at Connaught Court they would place a demand on other homes, private or state run.

With regard to future expansion needs, the RMBI believes it has already taken this into account in its present plans.

As for her fears about Stisted Hall in Essex, it is a Grade II listed building. It cannot be extended or have the major structural renovation necessary to operate an efficient and economical care facility.

This letter raises a serious wider issue at Connaught Court - the misinformation being distributed. The RMBI is available to discuss all aspects of the development and to provide accurate information for all concerned.

Peter Gray,

Chief executive,

RMBI,

Great Queen Street, London.

Updated: 09:36 Wednesday, March 09, 2005