I REFER to remarks made about young Dorset people having to move because of housing being taken by the rich, retired couples who can afford to live in Dorset.

It is my opinion this is far from the truth as I have three grandchildren ready to move from their mother's nest and to buy property in the county.

These rich pensioners can afford the better end of the market and best of luck to them if they contribute to the community. They are not looking at the lower end of the market that my three grandchildren can afford.

No, the cheaper end is going to landlords who feel they have struck gold and the housing associations, who under pressure from the government, are forced to house those who want to live in a beautiful area and close to the beach.

Where is the ruling that you had to reside in a county for five years before you would be considered for housing?

Priority should be given to those who can be identified as being Dorset-born or having family links with the county - and also do not have a criminal record. Would it be wrong of me to include drug addicts and those who are released from our local prisons?

Yes, there are deserving people out there, but why come to Dorset and enjoy the hospitality which Dorset people give freely and then commit crime against those who volunteer to help them.

Maybe its the country we live it that caters for the undeserving while hard working young people have to move away - as I can see with my grandchildren, whose heritage in Dorset covers more than 100 years.

Michael H Phillips, Crossways,