FOR years mobile home residents have had serious complaints about the results of their peculiar situation -- living in homes they owned on land they did not own.

Dubious contracts, huge rent rises, overcharging for water, bottled gas and re-sold electricity, the 10 per cent payment to the site owner as a commission on a home changing hands, compulsory removal of homes to make room for new and more expensive ones, dangerous conditions, particularly in relation to fire and roads, harassment, the prohibition of residents associations and lack of involvement by local authorities are among the commonest grievances.

In July, the working party on Park Homes, set up by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, produced a report suggesting some reforms. It has asked for residents' comments on the recommendations to be sent in by October 31. Free summaries of the report (Number 121) can be obtained from David Walters, Housing Support Unit, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Zone 2C6, Eland House, Bressendon Place, London SW1E 5DU. Comments should be sent to Michael Davies, Housing Private Rented Sector, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2/H6, Eland House, etc.

However, more radical reforms are being backed by Hilton Dawson, the MP for Lancaster and Wyre, and Lord Graham, who has championed mobile home residents for more than two decades.

On October 23 the all-party parliamentary group on Park Homes will meet to discuss the various proposals. Residents who want change should contact their MPs and request them to attend.

This is the first real opportunity to make life easier for thousands of victims of exploitation and, in effect, give full legal rights to 200,000 people -- at present second class citizens.

C PACKMAN (Kent), P Summerland (Kent), M Hurley (Surrey), R and A Turner (Lancashire), W and D Carter (Worcestershire), D Tomlins (Hampshire), M Sprague (Hampshire), M Brown (Berkshire), Room 4, Heath Road, Reading, Berkshire.