YOUR article regarding Clarence Street brought back memories of when I attended Bolton Community College, and later became the chairman of the Users’ Group.

Like myself, many people will remember the college because of the embracing warmth of its staff and users — rather than affection for the building itself.

We all recognised that the “dear old lady” was crumbling away and had a leaking roof and rotten windows. I understand over £750,000 would have been needed for these repairs alone.

I was very sorry when Clarence Street eventually closed, but not without a fight which was organised to keep it open. However, it did close and we gave it a great send off. On reflection, it was not the building we were mourning but all that had gone on over the years.

To me, the building is not very handsome and, as it is not listed, I feel it should be demolished.

If this is not done by a developer, the council will be forced to remove it due to the vandalism which has plagued the building for many years.

A fire was started there just a few weeks ago and the building was saved by the quick response of the fire services.

I have seen the proposed plans for the development of the site, and it has many pleasing aspects including the building of affordable housing.

Let Clarence Street be the site of a much more pleasing development and we shall still have our memories.

David Bevis, Tarbet Drive, Bolton