I HAVE just read of the plight of John Hunt and the dreadful worry of losing his home (July 2).

John's boat has been moored there since 1998. Why has the council taken so long to bring this eviction order? Is he proving to be a public nuisance or a health hazard?

It is a disgrace on the part of the council to take this kind of action against a man who I suspect is hard- working and decent.

It must be particularly galling for him and his family when they see beggars allowed to harass passers-by and so- called New Age travellers pitch their caravans where they like and no one moves them on.

Why hound this man from his home?

Grace Roberts,

Wordsworth Road,

Norwich, Norfolk.

Updated: 10:35 Thursday, July 10, 2003