HOW tragic that Virginia Waters should be found having lain dead in her home for weeks. Similarly, Anne Leitrim was found in her Throop home years after she died. Here on the West Cliff, in response to Mrs Leitrim’s case becoming known, a multi-agency group was set up.

This comprises the management of the Savoy Hotel, the West Cliff Green Residents’ Association, the council, police, Rotary and others to address the isolation which leaves some people vulnerable. A regular “Tea and Meet” is held at the Savoy Hotel where local people can meet others and there are various spin off groups catering for various interests such as an art group, talks on topical issues like the RNLI and National Trust and other similar events.

This opportunity to expand the structure of our community may go some way to prevent other such tragedies which stem from isolation.

COLIN PIPE, Durley Gardens, Bournemouth