I COULDN'T believe my eyes, when I read the story about Mr Barnes being forced to leave his home after nearly 50 years (Bolton Evening News, December 14).

To have some stupid rule about inheritance rights that means a person must leave a family home, surely is an infringement on human rights, and should not be allowed to happen.

Not only must Mr Barnes have countless memories of his family home, the amount of money he and his family must have paid out over the years in rent, rates and council tax must be a pretty penny, and surely should give him some rights.

While I was reading the story I had to keep reminding myself it was definitely the season of goodwill to all men, and not April 1.

At least if the worst comes to the worst, Bolton Council are prepared to help with painting costs for a new flat for Mr Barnes. This must cost the council all of £50.

Mr A Bennett

Abbey Grove

Adlington