Letter: Housing for volcano isle

THE LAST thing Montserratians need is the nannyism of a UK prefabricated housing estate despoiling their beautiful island, which, despite the present setback, yet has a special future in the regional tourist economy ("Extra aid for Montserrat", 19 February).

Given the tools, a traditional blockwork house can be completed in three weeks at a fraction of the cost, providing essential local employment. If nannyism destroys the skill of West Indian domestic woodcraft, the indigenous character that visitors come to see may be lost. Good urban management, a new blockmaking machine and adequate cement would be more to the point and could have been supplied this time last year.

STEVE OSGOOD

Teddington, Middlesex