I READ with interest the article by your journalist Ryan Jennings in relation to homelessness and the housing system in the Colchester area.

The figures quoted make sobering reading to us all especially as most of us feel, at present, safe and secure in our present environment.

Homelessness is a complicated subject that may not be completely solved by just building more houses although I agree it will go a long way in helping the problem.

However, the article was spoilt for me as a landlord of modest means, by the loose mouth of Tina Bourne, council member responsible for housing in the Colchester area.

Like many politicians these days Tina cannot resist the fashionable, snide swipe at landlords and renting agents where the attitude prevails they are all bad and tenants are all good, thus perpetuating a divide among the community for narrow minded political reasons.

It is far better that Tina concerns herself in becoming closer to landlords, most of whom provide excellent housing for a modest return and pay tax on any surplus that they make. I bet she has forgotten that?

Most Landlords, similar to me, have horror stories of their properties being trashed, misused or missing rent.

Almost without exception the worse tenants have, from my experience been those on some form of Government benefit.

However, it is not all one sided. There are inconsiderate landlords who take the money and refuse to maintain their properties, which I believe is very short-sighted.

If Tina really wants to improve the take up of tenancies by landlords then my suggestion to her is to influence her fellow comrades in Parliament to offer tax incentives to landlords who house those on benefits rather than let them talk about rent controls and other measures that will shrink the availability of the private rental stock.

Even this present liberal leaning Government current legislation, by trying to keep up with fashion, will have a knock on effect by increasing rental levels in the market place.

Incidentally, this wicked landlord lets a property to a couple of disabled people who are on benefits, without problem, so it can be done.

Stephen Scrase
Wakes Colne