MOST of us, I think, were delighted when Jack Straw introduced the eviction of anti-social tenants from council property. But none expected it to mushroom into a useful tool with which to beat and bully the elderly.

It would be courteous therefore if Mr Straw were to explain his leader's stance on the barbaric forced mass eviction of the elderly from their homes.

After all, they and many of us gave Mr Straw's political career the kick start it needed in the early days and a kick in the teeth is not what we expected in return for our loyal support.

No rhetoric, please, and no mention of money (that old chestnut is more ancient than we are). With Clare Short forever rabbiting on about the millions needed for Africa, we in Lancashire would prefer a tad more compassion for our own citizens.

JEAN CROWTHER, Warmden Gardens, Blackburn.