Perhaps I should begin by telling you that I have known the Haunch family for more than 30 years (Warrington Guardian, March 8).

They became known to me through Social Services when Kevin approached the department to see if anything could be done to improve Stephen's quality of life.

I was appointed the social worker to deal with the family and over the next few years became very familiar with them. I cannot believe that your strategic director of community services says that Stephen can walk unaided.

Perhaps on a good day he can walk on even surfaces, but I would suggest to you that you are putting Stephen at risk of serious injury if you say he is safe to walk unaided.

I am now retired but I have kept in touch with Stephen through his life.

Kevin must have saved the State a fortune by looking after Stephen.

But more important is the fact that over 35 years or so he has given Stephen a loving home life. Surely it has to make more sense to offer support to Kevin than to break up the remainder of his family and, in the process, break both their hearts.

Please, Social Services, help this family. I have offered my support to Kevin.

I certainly know Stephen as well as anybody in your department and I am quite certain that Stephen is not capable of walking unaided.

Liam Long By e-mail