I am sure the whole of Colchester will warmly welcome the Gurkha veterans when they move into Abbeygate House, as the Gurkhas served our country so well.

As an Army town, we will hold their dedication and bravery in particularly high esteem.

But amidst the warm welcome that must accompany the announcement that came so close to the elections (coincidence?), we must not let it hide what led to this.

The council’s shameful treatment of its elderly residents.

Like those of us in Joyce Brooks House, the folk in Abbeygate House found out the council was going to sell their home and force them out, by reading about it in the Gazette. Like those of us in Joyce Brooks House, people did not want to move.

The question that must be asked here is, if this was not fit as a home for Colchester’s elderly, why is it fit as a home for Gurkha veterans?

How many more sheltered housing schemes will be sold off without being replaced?

The obvious truth is Abbeygate House, just like where I live, makes for an excellent home, and that’s why the Gurkhas are moving there. I can only say good luck to them.

I urge the good people of St Andrew’s ward, who want to stick up for those of us in sheltered housing and protect it for future generations, to vote for decency.

There will be no national party machine telling me what to do, only the people of St Andrew’s ward.

Bobby Hunt
Independent candidate for St Andrew’s
Joyce Brooks House
Oxford Road
Colchester