I READ with interest your lead story entitled - Aileen’s dilemma.

Accordingly, I identified several facts:

Aileen owns her own land, pays rates for it and has lived in a unit on that land, constructed in her existing shed, for over 20 years. It is her mailing address.

After approximately 20 years, the Shire Council demands she move out of her unit as she does not have a certificate of occupancy.

They sympathise with her problem but offer no positive solution. Instead, she is issued with an eviction notice and ordered to appear in court. Very negative.

The solutions would appear to be simple.

1. Shire council to arrange (and pay) for an independent inspection to outline any necessary renovations. Outline why her unit is not fit for purpose. Presently, shire assumes this without proof.

2. Issue permits to undertake these. Cost-free.

3. Offer help in sourcing materials and tradesmen to undertake renovations.

4. On completion, Shire to guarantee to issue a certificate of occupancy.

These actions are all doable. Community help may well be available through service clubs and volunteers, grants and working bees.

Aileen has done volunteer work throughout her life. This would be a fitting payback. A positive plan of assistance.

We, as concerned residents, need to stand up for what is good and right.

It is disappointing that our elected representatives need to be reminded of their duty to their people.

Concerned resident, Yvonne Morrison OAM, Inverloch (For services to equestrian sports)