I made enquiries at Brighton Town Hall with regard to the large number of council properties which are currently empty.

I asked whether it would be possible to take over a property and refurbish at the cost of materials, since I am a master builder.

I was informed no properties will be available to anyone since discussions are taking place with regard to management of these empty properties.

I remember quite a few years ago we had the self-build schemes, particularly around the Wilson Avenue area.

Surely, if there are people such as myself who can refurbish property without the labour cost, this would be a significant cost-saving factor in bringing the properties into use and also generating council tax when occupied.

I went to the Brighton Technical School for Building & Engineering in Hanover Terrace.

There, we were taught every single trade, which put us in good stead for maintaining our own properties. As a result of the high cost of renting privately in the Brighton and Hove area, I have been obliged to move to the Eastbourne area.

Naturally, I would prefer to live in my own home town.

-Pete Sayers, Polegate