I would like to congratulate Chris Titley on his excellent article on the local transport strike (Give them the money, September 3).

However can I ask you now to do the same on behalf of a far larger group of citizens?

This group have had their income increased by less than two per cent for the past six years. Which means in reality their standard of living is on an ever increasing downward spiral.

In case you hadn't guessed, I am of course referring to pensioners.

Six years ago I joined the 'ranks'. Having worked since 15 and contributed to a 'private' pension scheme, I looked forward to retirement. However, I have since watched the value of my pension quietly dwindle.

Like many people, my pension is linked to the cost of living index. Unfortunately this appears to be a different cost of living index than that used for salary increases.

When was the last pay award of one point seven per cent accepted by any workforce? Yet that was the award paid last year to pensioners.

With outgoing expenses increasing by an average of five per cent, you do not have to be a mathematician to work out the affect on their standard of living.

Your needs do not decrease on retirement, quite the contrary. Your home needs heating for longer, often your medical needs grow, maintenance is still required to your home etc. All this on an income increasing at less than two per cent per year.

So come on Chris, put your undoubted ability to a good cause.

Liz Edge,

Parkside Close,

York.

Updated: 12:09 Friday, September 05, 2003