The effects of the recession, plus the higher gas, electricity and water bills that are now due for payment, are hitting hard on working families in our community and the stress caused is affecting people’s health.

The British Medical Association has revealed some families cannot now afford to pay fully for medication for their children or themselves, and are having to pay only for what the doctors advise are vital medications and leave others till their next pay day.

While we are spending billions to bail out the banks, the Government’s claim these payments are an important source of income rings hollow. This income is only a drop in the ocean compared to the billions it costs to run the NHS.

These charges have already been dropped in Wales, Northern Ireland and will be shortly in Scotland. The BMA has called for the abolition of prescription charges in England.

They feel the charges are creating a two-tier system in our health service and should not be allowed to continue.

The abolition of these charges can have an immediate impact and help alleviate the damage which the recession is doing to the finances and health of our community.

We have already seen the obscenity of dental DIY on themselves by people who cannot afford to pay the NHS dental charges.

Can I suggest that we all contact our MPs to put pressure on the Government to conform with the Care for the Community that is being shown in the rest of Britain.

CLLR BILL DOUGLAS Chippenham Town Counci