I have been prompted to write as a result of your grossly negative report on the events at Townsend House.

As a recent ex-resident I wish to point out the good work the hostel does for people like me, who are in many cases very vulnerable and easily prey to abuse. At the beginning of this year I went through a very threatening eviction as a result of the flat where I rented a room being sold, despite always having paid all rent and bills on time. I found myself homeless with the prospect of losing my job. Thanks to being offered a room at Townsend House, I was able to continue working, stay paying tax and now live independently.

The wardens at Townsend House are all supportive and provide a caring stable atmosphere. During my time there I learnt many new skills such as painting and decorating, furniture recovering and gardening, as the girls are actively encouraged to care for their environment. These skills helped to prepare me for life outside.

The amount of drugs found on the premises was small in relation to the amount of force used. I counted nine van loads of police outside on my way to work at 8.30am. That is half a van load of police for every girl in Townsend House. Every door in the place is smashed in and it will cost more than £3,500 to replace them. A charitable, non-profit making organization such as GFS cannot afford this. In the meantime, 18 young women and their warden, most of whom are innocent of any crime, are left prey to anyone who can get past the main door. They have no lockable doors and therefore have no privacy. The girls and wardens remain in a state of shock, traumatized by what, under any other circumstances, could only be seen as criminal damage.

I agree with Councillor Bill Moir that Townsend House is very much needed in Borehamwood. It provides a place of stability for vulnerable young women and helps them go on to lead productive lives. It would be a shame if negative perceptions were to in any way affect the good work they do.

S Harris,

Address supplied.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.