THE residents of Chapel and Argyle Street wish to thank all the people who have supported us and wished us well for the Executive Meeting held at St Helens Town Hall on September 15.

Like many other people of St Helens we thought that the Labour Executive Members might show a little compassion and look into the officers' report with more depth, maybe even take a look at the houses which their officers claim are unfit.

Alas, how nave could we be? It was decided that we would have 28 days to appeal against their decision to demolish.

However, it was stated that an addition to the report of the survey had been made and 21 of the 'unfit' properties have been removed from the proposal and only 33 properties would be demolished instead of 54.

They are all Chapel Street and the even numbers in Argyle Street. This, we find very disturbing. Only eight years ago the same department and the same officer who declared our properties unfit wrote to residents in Chapel Street saying 'I will not by taking any clearance action to demolish houses in the forseeable future'.

Also, the additional report adds a further 63 properties in North Road, Windle Street and Oxford Street would be potentially eligible for housing grants/loan assistance.

Where is this pot of gold coming from that will pay for all these properties to be brought up to standards required by the council and what little difference would it cost to keep the 33 condemned properties?

Who does run this town, council officers or council members?

ON behalf of Chapel and Argyle Street Residents Association (name and address supplied).