During the past year the West Lancashire Pensioners’ Forum has campaigned with great dignity in asking for an off peak travel concession that matches the concession available to Over60s/Disabled people, through massive central government grants, in adjoining boroughs. West Lancastrians pay income tax and we pay council tax, so we are no different from any other Over60s/Disabled people in these adjoining boroughs. Yet we face discrimination in how we are treated by comparison of our off peak rail travel concessions.  We could say much about this matter except to say our pressure seems to have instigated ongoing and meaningful discussions with rail providers. These discussions need to succeed in order for our council to avoid charges of discrimination and victimisation.

The Pensioners and the Prisoners

Let's put the elderly in jail - and the criminals in nursing homes.

 

This way senior citizens would have access to showers, hobbies and walks. They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs etc.

 

And they'd receive money instead of paying it out. They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly if they fell, or needed assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

 

A ‘guard’ would check on them every 20 minutes and bring their meals and snacks to their ‘cell’. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library, weight room, spiritual counselling, pool and education. Simple clothing, shoes, slippers, and legal aid would be free on request.

 

Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard, with gardens. Each senior would have a P.C. A T.V., radio and daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear complaints and the ‘guards’ would have a code of conduct that would be strictly adhered to.

 

The criminals would get cold food, be left all alone sitting in a chair they cannot get out of, staring at the wall or watching an unchangeable T.V. Channel. No news, no drinks after 4pm, bed by 7:30, lights out at 8pm and a tepid shower once a week. They would live in a tiny room and pay £1,000.00 per month with no hope of ever getting out.

 

Justice for all!!