IN RESPONSE to M Leyton’s letter dated June 27, 2011. The idea of not using gas for a day a week as a protest against the gas companies’ excessive profits, would be a good starting point, if only the public had the gumption to bring it about nationally.

But how have we allowed ourselves to become hostages of the utilities companies? If you recall the ballyhoo and hype when our utility services were sold off and out of public ownership, we were told back then, they all needed massive investment to make them fit for purpose, which would cost millions, and was best tackled by private enterprise.

So the gas, water, electricity and telecom services were all sold off, for our long term benefit we were told. These new companies would be ultra efficient and effective, be able to keep prices down to ensure the general public got a better deal and service. Remember we were offered the sweetener of buying shares in these new ventures, which thousands took up.

But look at us now: we are all prisoners of the utility companies, who are now charging us extortionate amounts for their services, to which we have no redress. We have been given Ofgas, Ofwat and Ofwhatever to regulate these companies, to protect and speak up on our behalf.

Well, I’m still waiting for one constructive move from them that directly helps us, the bill payers.

Don’t ever forget this all took place under the handbag of Mrs Thatcher, now years later one of her disciples has risen to the top of the pile and low and behold he wants to sell off the NHS, the forests, the list goes on.

Anything state owned that might make his chums a profit is fair game, while he tries to convince us, it’s all in our best interests.

A clear case of dejavu.

P J LITTLEFIELD, Victoria Avenue, Winton, Bournemouth