‘Ageist rant packed with generalisations’

DAVID BUTCHER, Bence Lane, Darton

I was appalled by the letter from Mr Elliott, published in the Barnsley Chronicle two weeks ago.

My reaction was not so much due to the fact that an ignorant person from Barnsley should write such a letter, but that the editor of our local newspaper should choose to publish it.

It was simply an ageist rant packed with generalisations and stereotypical comments.

Had I written a similar letter on a racial or religious theme, or even suggested that all teenagers are yobs and should be put in borstal, I would have been quite rightly condemned.

There are laws in place to regulate who can and cannot drive on the public highway and these consider medical conditions not personal prejudices.

The Equality Act 2010 includes provisions that ban age discrimination against adults in the provision of services and public functions – Mr Elliott expresses discrimination by perception.

Although his views probably do not contravene the legislation, the sentiments expressed are nevertheless quite shocking.

In his view anybody who looks to be over 75 is unfit to be on the road, unless they take another test. I suggest that Mr Elliott contacts his insurance company to find out which age group has the lowest insurance risk.

Finally, shame on you Barnsley Chronicle for encouraging such ill-informed twaddle.

I don’t expect an apology from Mr Elliott, but we over 75s deserve one from the editor.