SIR,

Re: Letter from RW Bradley titled 'No affordable housing for the elderly' published on Wednesday 3rd July.

I wish to reassure RW Bradley that the new William Jones's Almshouses behind the library in Monmouth provide 24 affordable flats for the elderly. Anyone eligible for full housing benefits will have their weekly maintenance charge completely funded.

The charge has gone up to reflect the improved quality and furnishings of the flats with a fitted kitchen, carpeting throughout and communal facilities. To date, about a third of the flats have been offered to local older people of limited means which means we still have vacancies to offer. I welcome applicants from Monmouth and the surrounding area.

Call 0117 9300304 or email sarah@bristol

charities.org.uk

Ten private houses on the site have been sold to help pay for the building of the almshouses.

I would also like to take the opportunity to explain to your readers why Bristol Charities took over the trusteeship of William Jones's Almshouses.

The Haberdashers' Company was concerned to ensure the future of the William Jones's Almshouse Charity and that there should be effective management of the redevelopment and the new almshouses for many years to come. It therefore determined that the trusteeship should be handed over to a specialist charity working in this area.

Sarah Davies

(Chief Executive,

Bristol Charities)