OVER the last few weeks, much has been said about the possibility of asylum seekers coming to East Lancashire.

At a meeting of Hyndburn Council, Councillor Douglas Deakin owned up to being the mole who leaked the story to the media.

I think that everyone in Hyndburn owes him a vote of thanks, because taxpayers have a right to know what this government has in store for us.

It is hardly surprising that people are concerned and quite rightly so.

Only last week 71 people returning to Kosovo, who, when they arrived 12 months ago had only the rags they stood up in, left Leeds and Bradford Airport dressed from head to toe in designer gear and with so much luggage they could not carry it. Well, pardon me, but does this not go just a little beyond humanitarian aid?

I can bet our old folk who have just received 75p a week rise on their pensions are really impressed.

Mind you, it is quite clear that this government cares very little for the elderly -- which was made painfully clear at a Labour election strategy meeting where the elderly were branded as racists, natural Conservative voters and not worth bothering with.

Even after Clive Soley, chairman of the parliamentary Labour Party clarified remarks made at the meeting, he still insisted that pensioners are 'predominantly Conservative' and many hold 'racist opinions.'

Is it any wonder, when they are treated like they are by this government?

JOHN FARRER, Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle.