UPON reading your letters page on Monday April 12 I had to check that I was not in fact reading the Socialist Worker.

I refer to the letter from P R Willey in which he launches an attack on the York student who is planning to rent out his penthouse to Royal Ascot race goers for £18,500.

As it is not his main home, isn't it more plausible that it is his parents' property but he is allowed to 'crash' there and has seen an opportunity to rent it out for Royal Ascot with his parents consent? What's wrong with that? What is it with this country that we hate to see anyone doing well? I say good luck to the young lad!

Furthermore if, as Mr Willey continues, the student is showing disrespect to "skint" students then how does his call to businesses to withdraw all student discounts help other students?

The best quote in Mr Willey's letter is undoubtedly 'No wonder first time buyers are having trouble getting on the property latter.' How many first time buyers does Mr Willey know who are looking to buy a penthouse?

If it were your penthouse apartment, Mr Willey, I'm sure you would jump at the chance of making a quick buck from Royal Ascot. I'll wager that you do the Lottery in the hope of being able to some day afford the same but all you have done is succeed in coming across as jealous and bitter.

Simon Eldritch,

Brailsford Crescent,

Hawthorn Meadows,

York.

Updated: 09:53 Thursday, April 15, 2004