Sir - Recently I used the term 'Coca Cola/Pepsi Cola politics' to describe the lack of any discernable difference between Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

That these parties instinctively band together against the Independent Working Class Association in the city council chamber has therefore come as no surprise, as both stand to lose with the growth of a genuine grassroots organisation.

This Lab/Lib Dem pact can be seen at work in opposition to our motion to stop those with drink, drug and mental health problems being housed in OAP blocks and the contrived furore following it.

The motion was a response to numerous horror stories presented to us concerning the experiences of elderly residents in council accommodation.

It may offend the politically correct sensibilities of Lib Dem and Labour councillors, but the facts are that those causing disruption to elderly tenants tend to be under 55, with alcohol, drug or mental health problems, and often a combination of all three.

No-one is saying that the mentally ill shouldn't be provided with accommodation, despite what Labour and the Lib Dems might want your readers to think.

But to expect pensioners to bear the brunt of the failure of 'care in the community' and the drugs policies of successive Governments is entirely wrong.

For the good of all concerned, the council's relaxation of age limits on designated elderly housing must be ended.

Again completely missing the point, Councillor Tony Brett states that IWCA councillors "certainly don't represent me" (Oxford Mail, August 3).

Of course we don't. We are trying to represent the unrepresented.

The cross-party, old school tie brigade has far too much influence already.

Stuart Craft (Councillor)

IWCA

Oxford City Council