When the sale of the Mechanics' was announced back in January, I thought "Uh oh! Yet another red herring!".

I have always thought that the holes in the roof would be the end of the building and any strong winds would de-roof the south part, giving the council its reason for demolishing it.

Unlike some people, I am not blinkered and would like to give my support to the new owner Mr Singh and his work in restoring the building so far. The holes in the roof are now fixed, the windows are mainly boarded up and others have plastic across them, the excessive vegetation has been cleared.

The building seems to be in the process of being mothballed, an option I have called for a few times and one even English Heritage recommend if any clear path forward was lacking. Remember, it took decades for the building to evolve, what is the rush to develop it or repair it as long as the rot can be stopped.

Mr Singh has asked for some proposals. One temporary usage would be to make the south part into a temporary art student gallery, where art students could display and perhaps sell their art. Open maybe one night a week. Sort of turning the light back on in the Mechanics.

Mr Singh's company has done what the council, English Heritage, Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems, haven't made the building relatively water tight and repaired the roof, which was vital for the building's survival.

Someone asked the question "What sort of person buys an historic building with no plans for it?"

Perhaps a person who is willing to put money where his mouth is and can see potential. Someone who acts rather than talks. If the company needs any volunteer help, I'll be glad to give a few weekends.

Karsten Evans

Ford Street