So squatting provides "an avenue of self-help" according to Rosy Halldric (Letters, December 29). A similar self-serving rationalisation could no doubt be used by anyone to justify shop-lifting or burglary.

In her readiness to dismiss as "archaic" centuries-old property laws, one of the foundations of a democratic and civilised society, simply to suit her own convenience she displays a cavalier attitude to the rights of the lawabiding majority. Yet she baulks at those who may ignore other laws that do - rather oddly, in many people's view - favour squatters in some circumstances.

Squatting, however dressed up by its supporters, is nothing more than unlawfully breaking into other people's property and staying there without permission or payment of council tax and other costs of the sort that have to be borne by everyone else.

She asserts that for some "there are no other options". Those who truly face homelessness should pursue the normal channels via the local council, while at the same time accepting the responsibilities that are involved, with the result that they are not a burden on the taxpayer any longer than is absolutely necessary.

Thousands seem to do this satisfactorily every year.

  • Peter Reeves, St Keyna Avenue, Hove