I SERVED 12 distinguished years in the Royal Air Force, serving in front-line operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Kuwait and Iraq.

All arduous and testing and at times extremely dangerous notably Bosnia and particularly Kosovo where my section was subject to a car-bombing and assaults.by Serb sympathisers.

For around a year now, I have thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful benefit of the Invigor8 membership , using the facilities with my son.

It really has been fantastic so it came with great sadness to hear that this benefit is to be withdrawn in a cost cutting exercise.

We are veterans of this proud country who, through duty and devotion served to fight the injustices around the world and to keep our country free.

I find it saddening that our efforts do not even warrant this small reward for our brave efforts.

We do not ask from much and we receive even less and we complaint even less than that.

Since leaving the forces, I have been plagued with bouts of depression.

Certainly a component of my illness was down to my time in the RAF overseas in theatres of war. have seen some things I wished I had not seen.

Exercise has been of massive benefit in helping me during my down days and to see this membership taken away from me during a quick five minutes discussion at the council, fills me with a feeling of insignificance and sadness.

What worth our brave efforts? Not much it seems.

I have spoken with a number of my ex-comrades, and to a man and woman, they are disgusted at this decision. We would like Wirral council to think again.

Name and address supplied.