I HAVE lived in a terraced house for 50 years and seen family homes emptied and filled with students. What do they bring to York? Late-night parties, trash bags and cars taking over streets where residents are then unable park.

I live in the middle of a few of these. I am mainly housebound and have two carers a day.

Last Christmas, a visiting relative put Christmas cards from me through six houses – three either side. I put my label with address and telephone number on each card. I thought these students would like to know a neighbour was wishing them a Merry Christmas before they went home. Guess what? Not one reply.

Imagine having one nice student knocking on my door and asking if they could do anything for me. Imagine.

My lovely city is unrecognisable. Even the main shops are now miles outside the city. At my age, lots of elderly people don’t have cars or even mystifying laptops.

We read there are families desperate for homes in this city, on the list for God knows how long while family homes are snapped up by landlords and filled with students.

Let’s get our priorities right!

Name and address supplied.