I RECENTLY applied to Trafford Council's pest control section to have a wasp's nest in my garden removed.

I am a pensioner seriously allergic to stings but was informed the charge would be £45 - reductions for pensioners having been cancelled this year.

However, if I was a council tenant or on benefits it would be free. I am neither and consider this is an outragious amount to pay.

I am not an affluent pensioner by any means but feel I am penalised because I have scrimped and saved as a single parent to buy myself a modest home and saved to provide for emergencies in old age.

Recently all charges for essential community services have been increased for pensioners like myself while, at the same time, the nominal mounts previously paid by those on Income support have been cancelled.

Should I become in need of these services I will have two choices, pay the high charges or do without. There are many people facing the same situation - is it any wonder that many pensioners are offloading their hard earned savings and joining the growing band of the have nots in order to exchange pride for peace of mind. It is my full intention to join them as soon as possible.

I don't expect anything for nothing and am prepared to pay a fair amount - but let's have a more level playing field. Whatever government is in power, they must show good will to the prudent savers.

These are actions that will encourage people to save for their old age 'and stand of their own feet'.

Trafford ratepayer (name and address supplied).

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.