It is with considerable concern that we, the undersigned, have learned of the proposal to make alterations to the travelling library services within the borough which has hitherto been made available to disabled and infirm residents.

We understand that this will amount to the replacement of the existing (paid) staff by volunteers. While we all understand the need to contain costs, the ongoing expense of maintaining this service compared with many other facilities which the borough offers must be very modest, and yet it is of enormous value to those who use it.

And it hardly needs saying that, if volunteers are not readily forthcoming, then the library service is bound to be curtailed.

Clearly, there is going to be an ongoing need for this service as, sadly, we all advance in years and thus disabilities are likely to occur among a large proportion of us in the years to come.

It would seem very regrettable, therefore, if the facility were to be discontinued, since it has been hugely appreciated by so many of us housebound people who, without a regular supply of books, would be extremely disadvantaged in our day-to-day quality of life, and much saddened by the loss.

We would therefore strongly urge that this proposal be reconsidered by the council and that those responsible for any decision are shown this letter, a copy of which has been sent to the local newspaper.

We hope therefore that, on reflection, our views will be upheld and the service will not be left in the hands of unpaid volunteers.

MISS D DENNING, MISS J CULMER, MRS F WARREN, MRS M CARY, MRS J BAIN and MRS A DUTTON Wimbledon