I recently attended a pensioners' forum chaired by the Liberal Democrats in Oxford Town Hall.

The way that pensioners are treated in our country is simply appalling.

I heard quite a few aggrieved pensioners airing their woes at this public meeting.

I was shocked and saddened to hear that a pensioner living in North Oxford had slipped and fractured her arm on a pothole.

However, her reasonable claim for compensation had been refused by the city council.

Instead, this poor pensioner was sent a list of future proposed pavement works by the council.

Of what use is this list to an injured person?

The Liberal Democrats chairing this forum should be ashamed of themselves for doing nothing to help this injured pensioner.

One of these councillors optimistically described herself as a "Pensioners' Champion".

I suggest that this grand-sounding accolade should be awarded to Michael Hugh-Jones.

This retired gentleman from Headington has done much to champion the rights of pensioners. He is the true Pensioners' Champion!

SUSAN THOMAS Magdalen Road Oxford