IN response to last week's story about the Latchford facelift, I have been watching with interest the recent builders that have invaded various empty shops and properties in the village.

As a former employee of The Trophy Shop, now under refurbishment, I understood that the council owned these properties and the reason that we were moved out was to make way for the Latchford relief road. If this scheme is now not happening is the council not obliged to sell the property on the open market so that competitive costs can be obtained?

I have not seen any advertising of these properties anywhere, or is this some secret deal done with the council and local business men. I would be interested to hear the council's side of what is happening to these properties.

L LEADBETTER

Oxford Street

Latchford