AN argument has broken out regarding the £20m A&E extension at the University of North Durham Hospital (Echo, Mar 27). The health trust applying to build this extension wants to knock down Dryburn House, the ancestral home of the Wharton family.

This family has done a lot for Durham over the years. They were benefactors of the Durham regatta which could have folded without their help. Then we have Wharton Park which is for all the people of Durham, so you can see why there are objections.

But we also need this A&E extension.

The situation could easy be solved.This ancestral home of the Whartons could be moved and rebuilt at Beamish museum where it could become a visitor attraction, used to house items the public never sees.

The cost of moving the house would be like throwing an apple in the ocean when you are talking about £20m.

The answer, therefore, is move it.

Peter Jefferies, Durham City.