Letters: Phone nightmare

Sir: Why are the British public, and more importantly the Government, accepting so readily the fact that British Telecom is once again about to cause complete mayhem by changing a selection of UK dialling codes?

As the Chief Executive of the charity Medic Alert I am faced with the prospect of heading a programme not simply to alter our notepaper but to tackle the unenviable task of calling in and reissuing the 188,000 emergency identification emblems worn by our members, which have a London- based 24 hour emergency number engraved on the back.

The cost involved is galling enough but the planning and organisation of such a project, which will entail extra staffing and shift work along with new machinery and equipment, is a logistical nightmare.

Do we really just have to sit and do as we are told? And is there honestly no compensation for non-profit organisations such as ours? According to BT, apparently not.

If we are to believe BT, this change will last for at least a decade - but wasn't that what we were told the last time?

Suggestions, donations and volunteers all welcome.

JULIE FRIEND

Chief Executive, Medic Alert

London N1