I appreciated your recent editorial (see [2004] Gazette, 12 February, 13).

As a volunteer for the Refugee Support Group (RSG), Devon, working with asylum seekers and refugees, I witness the effects of legislation.

One consequence of current legislation is that Devon has no solicitor who is willing or able to take any new asylum cases.

That is in the context of Exeter being a Home Office-designated dispersal area, with a multi-agency consortium trying to support a depressed and demoralised Afghan and Iranian community.

Our asylum seekers obviously find it financially, psychologically and linguistically difficult to work with solicitors at a distance, say in London or Bristol.

A local solicitor is more accessible and supportive, while the RSG volunteers can help with advocacy.

As you point out, the situation can only worsen, being weighted against asylum applicants and effecting more injustices.

Fran Jenkin, Exeter