LOSS OF DIGNITY

Spare a tear for the plight of this luckless billionaire. "One of the world's richest men is selling his £40 million house in London's "Billionaires' Row" after Barratt Homes was granted permission to build flats next door. Lakshmi Mittal led the opposition of his well-heeled neighbours when the house builder applied for permission to put up an apartment block in The Bishops Avenue, Hampstead. However, the plans were approved and now, even though the luxury flats are being marketed at between £4 million and £11 million each, Mr Mittal has put his stately pile, Summer Palace, on the market." (Daily Telegraph, 29 February) Imagine the indignity of having to share your street with people who can only afford a £4 million house. It doesn't bear thinking about. Our sympathy goes out to the poor ill-treated man. RD