FURTHER to Mr Roscoe's letter "In debt, so they get a handout" (Citizen, August 2), Blackpool Borough Council do recover monies from other sources such as the sick and disabled.

I am a 47-year-old lady, now divorced, trying to recover from breast cancer and other symptoms following surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I have a 14-year-old daughter who also continues to be unwell after losing one kidney.

During both our illnesses I have had pressure from the local council to reduce the amount of benefit I receive towards my rent. I do not receive the full amount to cover the rent.

I have now used all my savings on this shortfall and I am now falling into debt trying to survive and make ends meet. Now I have no security at all. I do not live in a mansion, just basic two-bedroomed terraced housing. Tenants are in the middle of the battle between housing benefit and landlords.

I have been told by the council housing department that they are unable to help. So if they can't help and I'm unable to return to work, now being partially disabled, why do I not qualify for the full rent?

I worked for 18 years full time before asking for any help. Now I have to wait in various queues with drug addicts and alcoholics asking for help. The staff cannot see any difference. They told me, "Use your savings" which I had already done before queueing.

As far as I understand, Blackpool Council have used my small financial security that I had to pay for decorating allowances and scrap metal eyesores on the promenade.

This letter is a snapshot of my difficulties and the extra problems Blackpool councillors and their policies have given me. I wanted other readers to know what Blackpool councillors call "Care in the Community." At least they are consistent Mr Roscoe!!

Name and address supplied.