I AM outraged by the selfish way in which the community of Woodlands are acting in regard to the extension to Woodlands Ridge Nursing Home.

Many of the people who are petitioning against this proposal may need nursing care one day. I am sure that they would prefer to be cared for in a familiar environment that would enable them to enjoy the peaceful New Forest village that they love so much.

Local people should support this scheme.

People are living longer and are not now kept in hospital when they could be discharged into a community setting, so the need for nursing homes will rise.

If everyone says not on my doorstep' where will your mother, father or partner go? How would you feel if you needed a nursing home bed and had to go miles away from your home, to a strange place that may be inaccessible to your friends and family?

With regards to the comment that Colleen Cardy (Daily Echo, April 24) made about the kitchen, it is a nursing home with the appetising aroma of home cooked food. As a special needs assistant, she should be especially aware of the need for this service and should be campaigning to dispel many of the negative images people have of these homes.

I work as a care assistant in a nursing home and I have never met a resident who wants to stand at the window watching what the neighbours are up to.

The majority of the residents have complex needs and although they might love to wander over to the windows are physically unable to do so.

MISS KAY McCARTHY, Bursledon Green.