SIR – Regarding the WHBC garage rent increase: I recently received a letter advising a rent increase of £1 bringing it to a total of £9.99 per week or £40 per month. I have always rented a council garage and looked after my car but being a pensioner I ca

SIR - Regarding the WHBC garage rent increase: I recently received a letter advising a rent increase of £1 bringing it to a total of £9.99 per week or £40 per month. I have always rented a council garage and looked after my car but being a pensioner I cannot afford this new increase.

I gave up my garage a couple of weeks ago and was asked the reason why. I told them it was the rent increase. The receptionist said they had been handed over loads of keys for the same reason.

There are already lots of empty garages, surely they do not need to increase the rent as there is absolutely no upkeep required except a coat of paint every couple of years.

I was very upset on Saturday morning to find that my car has been keyed all down one side, probably done with a knife rather than a key as the handle has been cut into and a key wouldn't be sharp enought to do that.

After years of looking after it, my car has been ruined because I couldn't afford the rent increase.

Name and address supplied.