Sir, – There is bitter irony in last week's report of the Maltings Association and the decision to prohibit the over 70s from standing for council.

As one of those who campaigned for the saving of the Maltings at a time when the Town Council wanted it sold for development (1968) I am reminded that many of those who gave their time and money were of pensionable age.

The goal then, as phrased by Brig Will Anderson, was: to make it "a kind of super village hall" encompassing the arts and whatever community events the town needed. Those early campaigners still with us must be saddened by the latest revelations.

I wonder how the University of the 3rd Age, who are now prime users of the Maltings, feel about this exclusion. I wonder what reactions will be from organisations like Saga and Age Concern.

The government is now worried about the increasing numbers of early retirees (2.8 million) and is keen that their time should be utilised well by the community.

What is most surprising is the demographic ignorance of the architects of this redrafted constitution. By the year 2020 the over 70s will be almost half the population. We are as a nation living longer, healthier and likely to live a more active retirement than our parents and Farnham is in an area designated to be at the top of the list in all these respects. As my daughter might say – get real.

C Moorey

The Stable

Chamber Lane

Farnham

The Herald letters page is where you'll find the strongest views on a wide range of subjects each week.