I read with great interest the article by Hornblower in the last edition of your newspaper, also the report of the Cornwall county council's executive committee on what is to happen to the extra council tax to be received from owners of second homes.

District councils would have difficulty in using any of this money in building properties, because of legislation by the present, and past governments.

Why do the county councillors and their officers not think about setting up a housing trust? They could work with the various district councils to build homes for rent only. The county council would have the money to build homes and, in an agreement with the district councils who have the expertise in managing housing stock, see that these were for rent but no right to buy.

There is a great need for homes to rent in Cornwall. The district council's stock has depleted, due to the right to buy. Wages in Cornwall are low and properties in the private sector are way out of the reach for first time buyers. So what are our young people to do?

I have lived in council property for over 40 years, and still do. Don't get me wrong - you cannot blame tenants who have put a lot of work into their homes going for the right to buy. I know many people who have done so, and with the rebate they get on the work they have done on their properties they get a good reduction on the price of the property.

I have never even thought about buying any of the council properties I have lived in, all in the Carrick area. This would mean that there would be one council property less to rent after I am gone. You cannot blame the district councils they are only carrying out that which is laid down by present, and past, governments.

What has happened to the money from the sale of district council properties, which they could not use to replace their housing stock? Has the government clawed this back? I think the public have a right to know.

Enid Bellamy, Kerris Grove, Truro