SIR – I read with great interest the article on the front page of the Worcester News (Friday, June 5) about how the numbers of tenants living in sub-standard accommodation are growing at an alarming rate.
Another indicator perhaps of how cut backs are impinging on the lives of those less well off in our society. Tenants, in general, are extremely vulnerable to the whims of their landlords and it must be a difficult path to tread in trying to get problems fixed while not making a nuisance of yourself, thereby annoying the landlord who can render you homeless within a month’s notice.
However there is a group of even more vulnerable people; those who rely on housing benefit to help pay their rent in the privately owned sector. Individuals often rent from certain landlords as they are willing to house them without the usual advance payment of one month`s rent.
These individuals can then find themselves trapped in dreadful living conditions where repairs are not done, heating and  cooking facilities are practically non existent and they often find themselves with neighbours who are drug takers and who lead anti-social lives. A worrying aspect also is that the landlord is often making a fortune from these vulnerable people as studio rooms are classified by the landlord as flats and consequently the landlord can easily obtain an extra £30 per week from housing benefit payments.
Where is the system for checking rigorously the definition of what the landlord is claiming his property to be? How often are privately owned houses which are let out to rent checked? We, the taxpayer are giving our money away and allowing the greed of a few “bad” landlords to flourish, while vulnerable people have no option but to put up with their situation as they have no other option!
It brings to mind Peter Rachman in the 50s and 60s who exploited and intimidated vulnerable people before legislation was brought in. Surely we need strict regulation of these properties so that the extortion of the poor(often ex-homeless) can be stopped.
GERALDINE LOWMAN Worcester

Beware rogue cyclists
SIR – In this claims culture we now live in, where a risk assessment is essential before any activity is conducted. It appears a section of our society is exempt from this procedure.
These individuals frequently break laws intended for our safety, with little risk of prosecution, as they pursue their favoured form of transport.
Silently entering, often at speed, areas reserved for those on foot, such as pedestrianised streets, pavements, parks, footbridges, canal and riverside causeways.
Unlike other road users, they are not legally required to possess third party insurance, despite a proportion of these people appearing to completely ignore traffic laws, passing through red traffic lights, disregarding one-way systems etc.
Amazingly, those who choose to display lights in the hours of darkness are permitted to use strobe effect equipment, which could induce photosensitive epilepsy. If provoked, an epileptic may suffer from a sudden seizure, possibly causing them to lose consciousness and control of their body! Something we are constantly warned of on TV!
Is it not time a stop was put to this anti-social behaviour, ironically labelled by some as environmentally friendly? Or do we have to wait until the inevitable occurs, due to the actions of un-licensed cyclist.
ROBIN SMITH
Worcester

Cut your speed and you may save cat’s life
SIR – I was prompted to write in following your piece seeking new homes for cats in Worcestershire (Worcester News, June 5). Sadly our cat was run over earlier this year, just yards from the house. I know we are not alone in sharing this awful experience – according to insurers Petplan, around 230,000 are hit by cars in the UK each year – around 630 accidents every day.
No surprise therefore that I am all in favour of seeing 20 mph speed limits in place in residential areas across Worcestershire. You simply cannot see cats or small children in roads with a high level of on-street parking, and it is therefore highly irresponsible to drive at 30 mph down many of them.
I wish the RSPCA every success in rehoming these cats. I would urge all drivers to cut their speed in the county’s residential streets – by doing so you can do your bit to keep these wonderful animals safe.
CLARIE WILKINS
Great Malvern

Could the city council come to pool rescue?
SIR – City to lose the only ‘public’ hot-tub!
The city of Worcester is embarking on the construction of an up-to-date exciting new swimming pool complex at Perdiswell.
Before Sansome Walk Pool was built in the early 1970s, the city council appeared to keep delaying the start of its construction. Alderman Stan Marshall was so frustrated that he started to raise funds to build a pool himself. The nett result was two pools. The Sansome Walk Pool and the ‘Charity’ pool at Lower Wick.
We all know that the Sansome Walk pool has cost the city about £500,000 each year to maintain it. Yet the Lower Wick Pool covers its own costs at no charge to the city.
In 1990 The Lower Wick Pool had enough money saved to add a Health Hydro – Sauna, Steam-room and Spa pool. Providing relaxing pleasure to all its patrons – now for the sad news.
The Lower Wick ‘Spa Pool’ has reached the end of its working life and needs replacement costing £30,000. That amount of money is not available and I understand that Lower Wick Pool is thinking of scrapping the Health Hydro altogether. If that happens our city will lose a superb facility, as no provision is proposed in the Perdiswell scheme, and there is no other ‘public’ local hydro.
In recognition of all the children who have learnt to swim at Lower Wick, over the last 40 years, surely the city council can come to the rescue and save the Health Hydro facility at Lower Wick for us all.
GODFREY HARVEY
Worcester

One rule for MPs and another for us
SIR – Has the ‘we are all in it together’ gone out of the window?
Surely it must!
How can the Government say there is no money for public services like the NHS, armed forces,emergency services etc, yet they award them selves a 10% pay rise?
This stinks. One rule for them – another for you.
A 10% increase for an MP is about a £7,000 a year extra in their pockets.
How many of you who voted for them got anywhere near this?
AND Mr George Osborne has again, once more, axed £500 million from the defence budget,but foreign aid remains unscathed!
GB DIPPER
Leominster

Perfectly happy in my own personal space
SIR - I love my personal space (Mr Phillpott, June 6).
I spend 80% of my time, night and day, alone in my flat with my radio, TV and CDs, as happy as Larry.
I’m spoilt for choice!
GEORGE COWLEY Worcester