WITH reference to your article "Tax bill alert for students" (October 26).

I am absolutely appalled with City of York Council's attitude towards Fiona Coleman, pictured, regarding non-payment of council tax owed by other people.

Could someone please explain to me how a student can independently rent a room in a house through a letting agency and, according to the council, be responsible for paying the council tax for people she hardly knew and has had no contact with for the last six years?

The only common factor was they were all students who rented rooms in the same house.

Fiona has proved to the council she was a student at the time and not liable for the tax. This was verified by one of Fiona's tutors and confirmed by the council.

Why has York council taken the easy option in harassing Fiona? Surely this is the same as expecting someone to pay their neighbour's council tax?

Anne Willcox,

Samara Close,

Walderslade,

Chatham,

Kent.

Updated: 08:35 Saturday, October 30, 2004