Needs of elderly urged on Heath at Blackpool

BY A STAFF REPORTER
MORE aid to countries too poor to care for
their own old people; more purpose housing for old people in Britain; special transport facilities and concessions; and simpler access to advice. These are the proposals whin Mr. Edward Heath, the Prime Minister, was urged by "Help the Aged" to introduce to the Conservative Party Conference being held in Blackpool this week.
Mr. Hugh Faulkner, Hon. Director of "Help the Aged", wrote in an Open Letter to Mr. Heath: "We have welcomed the help which your Government has been able to give so far, and your intention that a Conservative Government would certainly give the highest priority to the needs of old people, both as regards cash and care."
"Help the Aged" arranged special meetings in parallel with the three main political party conferences this year. A forum was scheduled for Conservative representatives -at Blackpool yesterday (Thursday) evening, and it was hoped that Mr. Heath himself might be present for a short time.
HELP AND ADVICE
Mr. Faulkner asked the Prime Minister to introduce at the Conference proposals concerning: I. An increase in aid to overseas countries too poor to sustain their own old people.
2. Housing. Over 300,000 old people in Britain are in desperate need of sheltered housing, and local authorities should he urged to support associations dealing with this problem.
3. Government aid to local authorities to provide transport facilities for the housebound.
4. Help and advice made more easily obtainable by the old, who are confused by the multitude of departments and organisations which can give them help.
Seven years' good work
FR. JOHN CRAWFORD LEIGHTON, parish priest of Christ the Eternal High Priest, Gidea Park, Essex, was presented with a cheque for £235 on Sunday by parishioners to show their appreciation before he leaves for Dagenham.
He founded the parish seven years ago, when Mass was said on Sunday mornings in a room in a public-house. His successor is Fr. Francis Kerrigan from Harlow.