Season of goodwill is lacking

It seems the season of goodwill and Christian charity has completely bypassed Bridgnorth District Council. ('Eviction Threat to Caravan Residents' page 5 of the Shropshire Star, dated December 27).

The council in question is threatening to evict the elderly owners of four mobile homes on a residential park in Highley because the land they occupy only has permission for holiday use.

This apparently contravenes the council's planning policy. The inappropriately named Mr Fortune, a planning officer, is quoted as saying that "personal circumstances are not considered to be material consideration sufficient to justify a departure from development plan policy".

One wonders if he would react the same way if his own elderly parents were likely to face eviction from their only home.

Also, why do local authorities consider it far more important that properties remain empty for part of the year to provide for holiday occupation only, whilst families remain homeless?

Do "personal circumstances" ever have any bearing on the Ebeneezer Scrooges of the planning department or is it simply a case of turning Bob Cratchit out into the snow?

The writer of this letter is fortunate enough to have a home without having to beg and plead with the council for permission to remain there, but neither I nor the planning officer can look into the future and envisage what lies in store for us. Happy New Year? Humbug!

Name and address supplied