Editor

We own a small cottage in Dolgellau and support the local economy. We use the shops and tradespeople from the area. We do not use it as a business.

The cottage had been empty and up for sale for over two years, so was not wanted by the locals.

We pay an extra 50 per cent on top of the usual council tax as we were honest and registered as second-home owners. We pay more for our two-bedroom cottage without a garden in Dolgellau than we pay in Birmingham for a four-bedroom house with a large garden.

It does seem unfair to be penalised for supporting your area. We love it and would live there permanently but I have to care for an elderly relative and our cottage is respite for us.

Stop having a go at the second home owners when low-cost properties are available in the town and remain unsold for years, which we have witnessed during our time here. If we all move out, your economy will collapse, as the main industry is tourism.

So please think your strategy out carefully before penalising us again.

We only have this house because we have worked and saved all of our lives in the public sector helping others.

We love Dolgellau but may have to leave if you keep making us feel so unwelcome.

A second home owner

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