WITH a General Election just around the corner one would think that potential candidates would be working to support local people with potential (and real) problems. The problem is Two Rivers Housing (TRH) and grass cutting.

With some 2,000 plus householders effected giving rise to over 4,000 voters, surely the matter should be addressed by our current MP or other party candidates?

From letters in recent Review we know that our local MP, several councillors, including Alan Preest, Amanda Sterry and Carol Tilling plus David Edwards and many other prominent people are aware of the tactics being used by TRH which has resulted in one or two frightened people actually paying.

However we must all support each other and as, Mr Edwards suggested, if necessary, a couple of pounds from everyone would pay for a solicitor to challenge the first court case and therefore support the first individual to be tested.

This is not a democratic act but a heavy-handed dictorial attack on the very way of life that a free person expects to live. A little like the EU and Brussels committees!

The Forest of Dean District Council undertook all general maintenance before TRH bought specific houses and land in 2003. With the purchase TRH should have taken on all the original responsibilities, not try and pass extra charges to the public.

Also the 'Right To Buy' conveyance does not state anything regarding a freeholder paying annual charges for a maintenance activity such as grass cutting, and those that have been intimidated into paying may lose their money.

Who paid for grass cutting over the last 20 plus years? Council tax!

Why do TRH object to residents cutting the grass themselves? Why not convert the larger areas of grass to parking areas to overcome the big problem of cars being parked on the roads and thus causing traffic flow problems?

TRH appear to be only interested in making as much money as possible from the vulnerable rather than provide a service that they have taken on from the Forest of Dean Council.

One can only assume that plenty of money is readily available for pension pots!

Therefore the advice is repeated of all previous advisers – do not pay for grass cutting.

Lydney resident.