I WOULD like to make a few comments on the issue of the impending transfer of the Council's housing stock.

I read with interest the comments of our newly elected MP on the matter and the rosy picture he painted. Most of our Council houses are in desperate need of repair and modernisation. This is because of years of neglect by this Labour run authority and underfunding by both Tory and Labour governments. Our Council houses need at least £230M spending on them to bring them up to a decent standard. They should never have been allowed to reach such a state. I would prefer that the local authority retain ownership rather than sell them off to a new local housing company.

The Council may be far from perfect but at least the people can vote to oust them if they wish.

Unfortunately the Government are hell bent on councils relinquishing their council houses and have underfunded Councils and refused to let them borrow money to modernise the houses.

Given that situation the only option open to tenants if they want a decent home is to vote for transfer. It may not be the best solution but it is the only one this dictatorial Government will allow.

Council Tenants rights should be protected under any transfer, but, contrary to what Shaun Woodward states, there are no more rights available. Tenants already have the right to manage their own houses and neighbourhood nuisance problems can be dealt with under present legislation. ' Councillor Brian Spencer, Leader of St Helens Liberal Democrats