IN REPLY to the letter "Unsuitable property" (October 21) which refers to the house in Burnholme Avenue for people with serious drink problems, I take issue with the unfounded insinuation of its content and the integrity of the Evening Press in publishing such inflammatory and ill-informed opinion.

The thinly-disguised association between drink problems and paedophilia mirrors some unwarranted and distasteful propaganda that has been distributed in this area of late. It is insulting and wrong and slurs both the residents and management of the house in question.

With regard to the proximity of a local supermarket and its sale of alcohol, I confess to a personal interest. I too have an addiction to a legal drug. I smoke. I also live close to said supermarket where tobacco is freely available. Am I "unsuitably housed"?

Should I, and my family, be hounded out of our home?

If the residents of the house on Burnholme Avenue are to be "judged" at all, then let it be on the same basis as the rest of us - on their actions.

Along with many other people in this area, I wish the residents well. I hope my children grow up in a community that allows people an opportunity to have a decent life before being excluded or vilified.

Mr N Waddington,

Langdale Avenue,

Burnholme, York.

Updated: 09:52 Wednesday, November 05, 2003