Dear Editor,

MY family as born. Educated, and worked in the West Midlands and nine years ago we all decided that we would much prefer a more rural life, so, after a great deal of research, decided that Wellington was the ideal place for us all.

Prior to the move, we checked and were satisfied that all our requirements were available in the town and for some time we were very happy that we had made the right decision.

What has happened gradually over those years is the progressive loss of many of the attractions we had wanted, to the point that we are so disappointed with how things have changed.

Examples of the decline are as follows:

We required a local junior and infant school for our two grandchildren and that has suited both of them brilliantly.

Our older granddaughter progressed to the secondary school three years ago and she initially enjoyed it and reports confirmed that she was progressing brilliantly.

She is now in her third year and this has proved to be traumatic for her.

My son and daughter-in-law have approached the school for help, but it would seem that she is one of many pupils requiring support, and resources are extremely stretched.

Battling school refusal has become part of family life.

Our grandson is due to go to this school next year and we are very concerned for his future there.

Our second requirement from the town was a good doctor and for this we selected Luson surgery and this proved to be absolutely brilliant.

We could always get appointments and the service could not be faulted.

Quite out of the blue it was announced to patients that the surgery was to be closed and was to be amalgamated with Wellington Medical Centre.

We were assured that when we moved we would still be able to see our usual GP as they were moving, too.

We read in the local press that the move had gone smoothly and that their new patients were being welcomed – what a joke this has proved to be.

I cannot access my medical history online as before, and I soon needed to make an appointment to see my GP and was told at reception that they cannot book appointments as it has to be triaged online, but as a ‘new’ patient she generously offered to complete the form for me and I would be contacted by phone later that day with an appointment – I am still waiting.

A second attempt which I tried online was answered that day with a text which told me that ‘there are NO appointments available’.

I have been waiting for almost four weeks and I have heard nothing further, so it is not surprising that I feel as if I am being treated like a second class patient, and I simply do not feel safe under their care.

The reason for the requested appointment worsened and I sought help at an urgent care centre in Devon where I was seen within 30 minutes by a paramedic who was able to issue a prescription and advised on what further help might be required.

All ‘Wellingtonians’ will be aware of the closure of the Post Office and the disappearance of the NHS dentists and how many jobs in the area are at risk – added to all that, the national policy to build houses without any firm plans to expand necessary infrastructure will only add further stress to already overstretched services.

The sense of community that first drew us here is now overshadowed by mounting frustrations and an apparent lack of support from local authorities, leaving many residents questioning the town’s future.

With each passing year it seems Wellington is losing more of its unique character and the vital amenities that once made it thrive, replaced only by uncertainty and a growing feeling of abandonment among its people.

As we watch cherished services disappear and see little meaningful investment to address these pressing issues, it is hard not to worry that the decline will continue unless urgent action is taken to restore the town’s former vibrancy and ensure it remains a place families are proud to call home.

Name and address supplied.

Dear Editor,

Wellington Weekly - December 5, front page, Ronnie Thorne, life saving donations; Page 5, animal charity appeals for funds; Page 9, Christmas coffee morning raises more than £1,000; Page 10, head shave to raise money for cancer ward; Page 10, hospital repairs are needed before 2033; Page 17, removing 'Raise Colours' flags cost is revealed.

How dare these small minded unpatriotic councillors spend £4,500 per day on this nonsense.

How dare they erect the pathetic display of Christmas lights in the town which then caught fire.

These councillors clearly know how to waste tax payers money. Leave the flags alone, man up and give the money to people who need it. I hope you all have a very bad conscience and think of Ronnie Thorn when you write your cheques.

Joyce Dobby

Wellington