[lettie]

Me and Sparks have the same problem as Bagpuss, as elderly people have died off on our street, the houses have been bought up by private landlords (many of whom don't even live in the area). Their houses are either left to rot, usually with several rat attracting bags of rubbish in the back yard), or they are rented to complete and utter scum. Compared to houses of similar size in other parts of Accy, our houses are worth far less.

We are not in a position to sell up and move, even though we have no mortgage. Our area is one of those in the pipeline for redevelopment and there may have to be compulsory purchases of some properties around here. Until definite plans are released, our house is in limbo and it wouldn't be worth putting it up for sale and paying the relevant survey fees until we know.

I am personally praying now that we end up with a compulsory purchase order. It will save us the hassle of trying to sell what is a cosy terrace in a once nice, but now scrotey area.