I agree with Peter Johnston that central Bolton has many fine buildings worthy of preservation (November 3). However, I’m also fairly sure that he would agree with me that Bolton Council does not have a very good track record in preserving our buildings.

One only has to look at Churchgate to see the vandalism permitted in the last 40 years for evidence of this.

His claim that Clarence Street School is mediocre is a purely subjective assessment with which I disagree.

As for its potential utility, the same claim could have been made for the old art college building which appears to have been successfully converted to town centre housing.

The fact that the department charged with responsibility for such decisions is called development and regeneration should sound alarms. Development with conservation might be a better remit.

John Francis, Breightmet