• JOHN Gulliver’s article (Primrose Hill blossoms with the spirit of altruism, May 28) is a misrepresentation of Oldfield estate.

Oldfield is part of a charity set up to provide sheltered housing for people over 55 capable of living independently and able to lead normal and productive lives.

And this is indeed the case for the majority of residents who live here, many of whom are still working in various fields.

There are a few people living here who do not have sufficient capacity to live independently but this is due to the changes to social services made by Margaret Thatcher and made worse by consecutive governments which diminished the ability of councils to provide suitable accommodation to fit people’s care needs and, in addition, to the somewhat misguided administration provided by staff of the head office of Central & Cecil Housing Association.

Contrary to John Gulliver’s article, I am afraid to say that the amount of food being delivered here during this epidemic is excessive and not required.

While one appreciates the efforts of the community, I might suggest that if some in society are in the position to be so generous then perhaps it is time to point out to government that it is time for some to pay higher taxes and that the trickle-down politics of right-wing governments do not work and have never worked and lead, as in this case, to money and effort being concentrated in the wrong areas.

PAT WHEELER
Fitzroy Road, NW1