In the past few days the Cyprus press has reported comments and reactions to the Court of Appeal's ruling on the Orams case, which has far-reaching consequences for those living in the divided island.....

The desicion of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, together with the ruling of the European Court of Justice in April last year, mean that the rights of displaced Cypriots to their properties in the occupied areas of the Island are safeguarded and can now be enforced throughout the European Union.

According to reports, the property market in the north has gone into freefall, as a result of the Orams ruling. One estate agent dealing in properties at Salamis and Famagusta, was reported to be offering brand new apartments for just £20,000, but insited that payments must be in sterling cash.

The same agent also had luxury apartments normally priced at £49,000 but would sell them for just £25,000 each- again only for cash.

It is believed that around 8,000 Brits live in the north along with many other EU nationals and they have been shocked by the Court ruling.

"It's very bad news for everyone... What can they do, pack up and leave?" asked Marian Stokes, who lives in Kerynia.

Tuesday's ruling came as "a great shock," said Stokes. "The foreigners have done nothing wrong," she added. ''They've done everything by the rules. They went to a lawyer and got advice; the title deeds were stamped by the goverment."

A Briton with a house in the north criticized the greed of the property agencies and the ignorance of the byers. "Most expats are  not aware of the property problem in Cyprus and are not interested in finding out", he said, adding that they just accept what the setate agents tell them.

It should also be noted that Greek Cypriots have submitted around 1,500 property claims to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, accourding to Greek Cypriot lawyer Achilleas Demetriades. Consequently, it is safe to assume that, things will most probably get worse for many of the 8,000 Brits now living in the North.