SIR - The latest development in local government should be a cause of great concern to your readers. Empty Dwelling Management Orders, announced on the sly during England's World Cup fever, will allow councils to seize any house left empty for six months or more irrespective of the circumstances of the vacancy. They will even have the power to make any alterations they wish, without consulting the legal owners.

These orders pose a great threat to the property rights of millions of individuals and families across the country. Because the vacancy time allowed is a brief six months before seizure, many houses left empty due to bereavement will undoubtedly fall within their remit. People who have lost a relative or friend have enough to worry about without the thought that their local authority might seize their loved one's home, redecorate and move in strangers without their permission.

We are fortunate in this country to have a comparatively high level of home ownership, and many people aspire to the security delivered by purchasing their own bricks and mortar. Our government and our councils should respect that aspiration, and defend people's right to their own property, not threaten it. We at The Freedom Association urge your readers to write to their MPs to express their objection to the plans and to their local councillors, demanding that they do not use these worryingly invasive powers.

MARK WALLACE,

Campaign Manager,

The Freedom Association

Bridgnorth, Shropshire.

WV16 6YR