What a cheap jibe from Jane McGrother at Steve Sharp's concern over the mortgage problem, suggesting that the reason that he raised the issue was because he has a vested interest.

Her insinuation is insulting to any professional in the industry with a view on the current crisis.

Steve Sharp might be a mortgage consultant, but the topic is current and very relevant to many of High Peak residents, and if Steve had NOT raised the issue, he would not be doing his job as a good citizen, councillor and prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the area.

I haven't come across anyone who regards HIPs as having much value. My daughter is in the process of selling her first little house and absolutely none of the potential buyers had a clue what the HIP was about (it cost her £375 for this "reassurance" to buyers).

Lower house prices for first-time buyers may be welcomed, but if mortgage lenders are demanding higher deposits and putting up other barriers to mortgages it is hardly Steve Sharp's fault. It is a fallacy that falling house prices are enabling first-time buyers to get onto the housing ladder. It just isn't happening Jane. Read the National Press.

Of course Steve Sharp wants more people to take out mortgages – that is how people commence in owning their own homes. Does anyone disagree with him?

Is Jane McGrother suggesting we should be discouraging people from having mortgages? Perhaps she has some other idea up her sleeve to enable home ownership. I'd like to hear about it.

Margaret Weaver

Hilltop Rise

Whaley Bridge

I WAS appalled to read the letter over Ms Jane McGrother's name (Advertiser 28 August). It posed as a personal expression of concern, but was clearly an attempt at political smear. Indeed, it read like an extract from a particularly badly written Labour campaigning leaflet.

I bet you don't print this.

Steve McAllister

High Street

New Mills