Evening Press leader

Changing Rooms and its many spin-offs proffer a simple philosophy. You too can have a dream home given 48 hours, ten litres of emulsion, two metres of MDF and some enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, however, we are so busy watching these TV shows that our own properties are crumbling around us. A report from York's Joseph Rowntree Foundation argues that urgent action is required to improve our delapidated housing stock.

At a time of unprecedented pressure to build on our green belt, we must make the best use of our existing homes. That means Government intervention. We cannot rely on Handy Andy to do it for us.

see also 'Changing attitudes to state of crumbling homes'

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.