One of the privileges of being a GP is visiting people in their homes. I see the mansions of millionaires and the bedsits of the destitute. So might I shed some light on the debate in the Echo article on Monday, September 8 on rented housing? I agree with both councillors to some degree.

There are many properties for rent in Preston and suburbs that are of excellent quality.

However the counter argument has some truth in that there is a definite minority in the Park District in particular that are of poor quality.

I treat families and people made ill by dreadful housing conditions with damp running down cold walls, drafts and inadequate heating causing mould and misery.

On the physical side this causes asthma and respiratory infections while on the mental side the stress causes depression and hopelessness. I have known people thrown out by violence and intimidation by rogue landlords and evictions triggered by pleas to repair broken windows in mid-winter. The power is with the landlord in many cases since the failure to build sufficient affordable housing for 20 years has left tenants with limited choice and high rents.

The honest landlords who are in the majority have nothing to fear from some regulation and quality standards.

The most vulnerable in our society need some protection and council action to ensure decent housing.

Dr Jon Orrell
Coldharbour
Weymouth