THE situation in Durham City, either side of Milburngate Bridge, is a public disgrace.

I know of no other city, let alone one as beautiful and historic as Durham, where the authorities would permit such grotesque trashing of the environment.

True, all the buildings currently under demolition – a process that seems never-ending – were monstrosities and eyesores: but they should never have been put there in the first place.

And let’s face it, it’s only 50 years since they were put up, at no doubt colossal expense (colossal public expense in the case of those truly hideous office blocks).

Everyone you speak to understands and acknowledges the cathedral, is unique – everyone that is except local officials and councillors.

Why is it that every other historic town in the country seems to be cared for by people who know what they are doing, whereas we are stuck with the incompetents who are responsible for the mess in Durham?

Tony Kelly, Crook