Sir, - At the meeting of the Darlington Borough Council planning committee, it was decided that Chesterfield in Stanhope Road was not designed for residential use.

It was used as a house until the 1970s, part of the ground floor of the eastern half was used as a doctor's surgery and waiting room etc. One of the doctors lived there and the western half was also in residential use. The building only ceased to be residential when it was sold and then converted for business use.

Coun Robson stated that the 58 objectors did not represent the views of the people of Darlington. How many letters has he received in support of the demolition? I suspect he has had no other views from members of the pubic other than those objecting to the demolition. So who are the councillors speaking for in supporting the scheme? They and the developers appear to be the only people in favour.

Why not get a second opinion of the structural soundness of the building from English Heritage at no cost to the taxpayers? And why are some councillors so keen for the new development to take place as it will be of no great, if any, benefit to the residents of Darlington.

RAYMOND & PHYLLIS GARROD

Oakdene Avenue,

Darlington.

Sir, - In support of Darlington Building Society's application to demolish Chesterfield, Mr Doug Christie told the Darlington Borough Council planning committee that Chesterfield was never designed for residential use (D&S, Jan 11).

But the first paragraph of their own survey report says that it was built as a pair of semi-detached houses.

One of these two statements must be wrong. How much else is?

JOHN S WHEELER

Low Tile Close,

Roman Way,

Middleton St George.

Don't miss Bolam

Sir, - Bolam is like many other villages of Roman origin, half a mile from what was the Roman road to Hadrian's wall, now the A68 - one thinks of Aldbrough St John, Manfield, Piercebridge.

It is in a pleasant rural setting and has associations with the English Civil War. There is ample opportunity for walking and cycling on the country lanes and public footpaths.

The village has a first-class pub and restaurant, The Countryman. The quality of food and service would cost twice or thrice elsewhere.

But Bolam can easily be missed. The only large sign to it from the A68 is Bolam quarry landfill site, in other words, tip - an attraction not likely to entice any passing trade. It is improbable that any lorry driver won't know where the tip is and many travellers will have no idea of what they are missing. There is a tiny sign to the village confusingly on the "wrong" side of the road.

Given that the Northumbria Tourist Board is financed from of public funds, as are the county and district councillors (6K and 3K pa) respectively, one wonders why this bizarre example of road signing exists, especially when rural communities are trying to recover from the economic consequences of foot-and-mouth.

RICHARD WATSON

Stone House,

Manfield.