LAST month, upon returning from Derriford Hospital with stitches from a small cancer operation with instructions to ‘be a good boy and no exertion’ I went to help a tenant, a widow, to move house.

She was sitting among furniture and rubbish on the floor, crying. West Devon Borough Council had been very considerate with benefits for her and her husband but he had died a few months ago. The benefits had been reduced so she must leave her home for another.

The borough council had kindly contacted removers, who had left her in this condition with no further help. She was weeping, unable to cope. The council had informed me they had done all they could and it was her fault for not keeping to instructions.

It is known that the biggest stresses a woman goes through are the loss of a husband and the loss of her home. This poor soul had fallen between stools at a time of distress and did not know who to turn to.

Can we put something in place to help? Could WDBC have social services at hand? Could churches’ help be called upon? There are probably hundreds of caring folk in our town who would be really pleased and fulfilled to contribute.

Colin Bond

Tavistock