HAVING followed the debate on our plan to build retirement homes in Wigginton, I am gaining a deep sense of unease about the way in which some people portray the elderly as a sub-species that the rest of the population is obliged to tolerate.

Our plan is born of a pressing need for accommodation for the elderly in locations where they actually want to live. Or is this asking too much?

York's elderly population is almost eight per cent above the national average and Wigginton's higher still. Yet the level of voluntary care for old people is below average.

Changing demographics have caused a steep rise in the need for purpose-built homes with support systems designed to improve the well-being and security of older people.

Our experience elsewhere shows that the great majority of residents coming to our developments move from the local area. This ensures they stay close to friends and family and frees up larger family homes, reducing the pressure on land for new housing.

There is other sheltered housing in the area but much of this is older social housing that does not address the needs and aspirations of today's elderly homeowners, who dominate this age group.

Our development will include a 24-hour personal emergency service, advanced security and fire alarm systems, a laundry, recreation lounge, and a manager to look after the domestic arrangements.

As for it being higher than the church, this is simply not the case. It is three and two storeys, not much different from several other buildings in the immediate area.

I hope everyone interested in the scheme will come to Wigginton Village Hall on Monday, January 31, between 2pm and 8pm, where the plans are on show.

Steve Secker,

Regional managing director,

McCarthy & Stone,

Security House, Lysander

Close,

Clifton Moor, York.

Updated: 11:35 Wednesday, January 26, 2005