I cannot credit the audacity of Ms Vikki Ledger - mother-of-six-and-soon-to-be-eight - at taxpayers' expense, naturally (December 6)!

She makes me ashamed to share her gender. She has certainly carved out a comfortable career for herself - as a complete scrounger.

Think of all the perks - cheap (or possibly free) housing for herself and any kids unlucky enough to be born to such a woman plus handouts which, because of the misplaced generosity of our welfare state, grow with each child.

She actually expects a larger house, which presumably she will proceed to fill to capacity in due course.

Has she never heard of contraception? Even the lowliest creatures ensure they have a decent home before they start breeding. Does she really expect sympathy?

When I think of decently married and responsible families who are strapped for space and decide to limit their offspring until they can afford to move - or pensioners who, because they own some property, have to pay through the nose to stay in reasonable care homes - my blood boils.

City of York Council's housing department should turn their back on this family and let them fend for themselves.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:07 Thursday, December 09, 2004