WITH family in the area, I read with considerable interest Richmondshire District Council's decision to spend £250,000 to help tackle its affordable housing crisis (Echo, Mar 12).

What an utter waste of public money which will have a negligible affect on such huge issue.

The council's time and effort would be much better spent reconsidering its ridiculous Policy on Affordable Housing Contributions.

Not only is it in direct conflict with Government guidelines, but it is actively making a significant number of small scale developments in the area unviable.

These developments represent just the sort of scheme that would benefit local people.

Therefore Richmondshire is spending public money on a problem which its own policies are making worse!

C Marshall, Hurworth.