I HAVE to agree with your correspondent Rob Merrick about the possibly unintended distressing consequences of the changes in Incapacity Benefit on genuine recipients (Echo, October 23).

This, however, is only one aspect of the sledgehammer currently taken to crack the nut of unwarranted claims.

I was one of those rare people who was born with spina bifida who not only survived, but worked for many years until advised that my health was being affected and I should seek early retirement.

All went well until I met my pension fund consultant who decreed that I was manipulating the situation to avoid work.

Because correct procedures were followed, this decision appears to be fire proof, despite the gross misinterpretation of the facts.

My case is now to be referred to an ombudsman, but this should never have been necessary in a compassionate and decent society.

Diana Sanderson, Durham.