A FEW months ago a number of Heaton residents attended the Labour councillor's surgery at the Victory Community Centre, to voice their complaints over troublesome tenants in private rented properties in their once prestigious area.

And they also asked why the council was funding the rent for them, when so many council-owned properties remained empty at much lower rents -- a question asked many times before.

The reply, however, could answer recent letters regarding declines in the private property sector. "It is council policy not to house or re-house convicted criminals or evicted tenants in council-owned property." No, these types, once they've made their choice, are handed the keys to a rent-free, newly-furnished and decorated private property, along with every other benefit under the sun.

Now this may come of some surprise to our local councillors, but not only are these types not welcomed by council tenants, they are not wanted by the private home owners either! Who says crime doesn't pay?

Fed Up Chorley

Old Road Resident

(Name and

address supplied)