A BAND of March pensioners started to get hot under the collar during the winter of 1974 – all because of the temperature in the town s public shelter. They claimed the shelter on the town bridge, which they used for a rest and a chat, had turned into an

A BAND of March pensioners started to get hot under the collar during the winter of 1974 - all because of the temperature in the town's public shelter.

They claimed the shelter on the town bridge, which they used for a rest and a chat, had turned into an icebox.

A small electric heater was usually switched on when the cold weather arrived but that had not happened.

"It's a disgrace," complained William Smith, of Burrowmoor Road. "I have to come in here to get my wind back after walking around but I don't stay long now because it's like an icebox."

Regular visitor George Thackray, of Mill View, said: "There is heating in other public places like the library. I pay a lot of rates and this is a public amenity, too."

The shelter users protested to Councillor Peter Skoulding who raised the matter with Fenland District Council. He was told the heating had not been switched on because of an oversight and the matter was put right to the relief of the shelter users.