Should age be an issue for OAP mum?

CHILDLESS divorcee Elizabeth Adeney (66) is set to become Britain’s oldest mum next week after undergoing IVF in the Ukraine.

But reporter Karen Doherty asked shoppers in Oldham — the home of the world’s first test tube baby Louise Brown — if someone should become a mum at an age when they are normally baby-sitting the grandchildren.

“I think good on her if she feels she can provide a child with everything a mum of 30 can,” said 20-year-old Elizabeth Adamson, from Fitton Hill.

She is mum to 15-month-old Daniel and added: “My mum was 40 when she had me and there were positives and negatives.

“She couldn’t run about with me, but she was more mature and laid-back. I found it a lot easier to talk to mum than my sister who is 20 years older.”

But Elizabeth was a dissenting voice in a chorus of disapproval.

Lynne Byron (58), from Greenfield, said: “I do not think it is right. It is not natural and I do not think it is fair on the child when it gets older.

“I am not saying they won’t give as much love, but an older mother can’t do as much.

“I find it difficult with my four grandchildren, it’s hard work. I enjoy them, but I can hand them back at the end of the day.

“She said she was doing it so she could leave her money to someone but she could have adopted for that.”

Carol Cutter (27) and Michael Evans (33), from Waterhead, were shocked.

They have three children and Carol said: “It’s not right, especially if there is noone else to look after the child if she dies. It’s not fair on the kiddie.”

Michael agreed, adding: “It’s wrong having a child at that age. I thought I had mine late in life, I was in my 30s.”

Elizabeth, managing director of a Suffolk plastic and textiles firm will be in her 80s when her son is in his 20s.

Sandra Walker (39), from Limehurst, said: “It’s each to their own to a certain degree, but what happens when she dies? I lost my dad at 69 and she is not far off.”

“Disgusting” was the verdict of Margaret Townley (64), from Waterhead, who said: “She has taken the place of a younger woman who could have benefited from IVF.

“She is being selfish. How long will she live? She could go tomorrow and who is going to look after the baby?”

Peter Brooks (64), from Hollinwood, said 66 was too old for anyone to become a parent — man or woman — and added: “She’s barmy! She is being stupid and selfish.”

Friend Terry Evan (64) agreed: “My wife is a childminder. Some of the the young mothers do not have much of an idea, but at 66 it’s just not on.”