Robinson on wrong track

Alan Robinson wants to know what Bromley Council spends on refugees and asylum seekers. The council has a statutory obligation to provide shelter and subsistence. Conservative councillors who provided such assistance when they were in office were told very clearly that any attempts at not continuing this policy would result in them being subject to legal challenge and consequent penalties. Those not claiming refugee status at ports of entry receive vouchers for food and toiletries only at a level below that of Income Support. New spending (after Government grant and housing benefit subsidy) by Bromley Council is estimated at £1m in 1998/99 and £1.2m in 1999/2000. Mr Robinson correctly points out that

admissions of refugees and asylum seekers are matters for the Government and the courts. He may find he receives a quicker response to his questions by writing to Bromley's officers rather than using the pages of the local newspaper.

Cllr Chris Gaster

London Borough of Bromley

Where are all my old pals?

I'm trying to trace some friends of mine from back in the Fifties. John Cannon of Croydon Road, Beckenham who, with his sister, worked in a cinema. Also, Lawrie Gosling of Cedars Road, Beckenham, who possibly worked for SEM Motors, and Dennis Madden, who lived in Kent House Road and worked for Ash & Clayson in Clock House Road in Beckenham. He played the piano and I used to sing with him during the Second World War. I would very much like to meet up with my old pals and talk about the old days.

Charlie Lippingwell

Penge

Nursing staff

were the tops

I have just returned home from Farnborough Hospital where I have had a knee replacement in Mary Ward. I would like to express my gratitude to all the nursing staff on this ward for the wonderful patience and attention I received. Nothing was too much trouble, night or day.

Mrs E Joyce

West Wickham

No logic at all

I have followed your campaign and some of the letters concerning the 726 Express bus route with interest, and with some dismay. Can someone explain the logic behind the service being axed east of Bromley when Bluewater, a potentially lucrative market, is about to open?

R M Brown

Bromley

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.