IN THE article on the Steam Museum (November 3) Mr Thompson of the council is quoted as saying that the moral of the story was never to refurbish listed buildings as they can mask hidden costs.

Either Mr Thompson or your reporter then adds that this may have implications for the future of the town's Mechanics' Institute.

As the building has stood empty for many years and no viable scheme for refurbishing or adapting the present structure has been advanced. I suggest it is time that the blank sheet of paper test were to be applied.

That would demonstrate that if the site was empty and proposals were being made to put a building there, it is inconceivable that a building of anything like the design of the mass of the present building would be contemplated.

The sheer scale of the structure, leaving no room for parking or landscaping militates against any alternative use.

Furthermore what was once a good example of Victorian architecture has had grafted on to it various extensions, no doubt useful in their time but adding to the difficulties of adaption.

Finally there are numerous defects in the structure which would be eradicated only at colossal costs.

All these problems lead me to the suggestion that as there is no viable use for the building and after all these years with no public or private finance coming forward, we should no longer look at the sad ghost of a once good and useful place.

We should now carefully take down the entire building. all useful parts should be set aside and once those are assessed they should be incorporated in a new building reflecting so far as possible the heritage thus preserved.

Given the limitations of the site, the requirements of planning laws and building regulations it may be impossible to reuse the site, but a small number of retirement flats needing fewer parking places might be a consideration.

If that is not possible then perhaps within the former railway works a new institute incorporating as many of the saveable features of the present building as can be used would be a good compromise.

GRAHAM YOUNG

Back Lane, Fairford