If you are one of the 28,000 pensioners in Basingstoke, read on.

Despicable was the word used by your correspondent (Gazette Thursday 3rd October) - not to describe the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment, but to suggest that immigrants might be being unfairly accused of less than human treatment.

Let us be clear - Britain is a welcoming and generous nation.

Thus, xenophobia is simply a word used by critics who have lost the argument and fail to see the huge upset caused by the regular invasion of our shores.

If such immigrants are not illegal, then ask yourself this:  why have they each paid money to traffickers, rather than buy a single ticket from Calais, for just €95?

Immigrants require accommodation at our expense.

It is nigh-on impossible not to link this fact with the imposition that has been put upon our aged population by the Chancellor.

That your correspondent believes that the "vast majority of pensioners ... never needed" the Payment, misses out on the reality.

The sad truth is that retired folk need increasing help at a time when they are less able to afford, for example, special treatment for illnesses and disability.

The new Government is failing miserably on both these serious issues, with no resolution in sight.

Hugh Sawyer,

Foyle Park

Send letters by email to newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk or by post to Editor, Basingstoke Gazette, Absolutely Offices, Lutyens Cl, Lychpit, Basingstoke RG24 8AG. 

All letters and emails must include full names and addresses (anonymous letters will not be published), although these details may be withheld from publication, on request. 

Letters of 300 words or less will be given priority, although all are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, or legal requirements. We reserve the right to edit letters.