Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Published: 13 September 2007
Ash to ashes: it’s a sad end for my social smoking
• I AM a peaceful 81-year-old living in sheltered housing and have enjoyed a cigarette with my mug of tea for 60 years. Recently I have been cut off from socialising at my local café as I prefer not to be out in the cold and rain, risking pneumonia (and costing the NHS more). Now I am informed (in writing) that I can’t even entertain in my own home (of seven years), that is before and during a visit from the manager (at least once a day weekdays) plus I have been asked to be an informer on my neighbours.
Far from being a pea-soup opium den with an invisible plague on the door, my flat is probably the cleanest in the block, with windows open, air conditioning, tow fans and a daily room spray for my own hygiene and comfort. Where is all this coming from? The CIA/KGB/SAS? - Orwellian Big Brother rules OK. What next? Will I be drowned in a duck pond? Burnt at the stake?
Whatever is happening to our country? EILEEN EARNSHAW
Oriel Place, NW3
Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.