IT seems the Government is hell bent on forcing the sale of Northern Rock for a song.

Whoever buys it will have the potential to make billions. But the current small shareholders would be dispossessed with virtually no compensation and robbed of their future stake in the business.

If, like me, you have a small stake and do not wish to take this lying down, I invite you to join a new body, the Northern Rock Small Shareholders Group, by emailing nrssg@north-house.com or writing to North House, 17 North Street East, Newcastle NE1 8DF.

We will be trying to put up some counter pressure to ensure that we are properly treated, and that if the business has to be sold it is as a going concern to someone who will preserve some shareholder value.

Robin Ashby, Newcastle.