I WRITE as chairman of the Bolton and District Civic Trust, to express the concern of the Trust that so many buildings of historic significance are in danger (BEN Nov 26).

For many years the Trust has urged action by the local authority in pursuit of neglectful landlords. Sometimes, of course, the authority is the landlord.

It would be of interest to us, and no doubt the public, to know how many buildings at risk are authority owned.

Let us consider some examples:

The cottage behind Smithills Coaching House may have been modified at intervals in its lifetime. Why has it been so neglected?

It is months ago that there was a proposal to recommission Little Bolton Town Hall building on St George's Street. What is happening?

Mills, like Falcon in Halliwell and Swan Lane, Great Lever, are a problem -- size, maintenance costs, multiple occupancy and regulations, all militate.

But there are many examples of tenants paying their rent and fulfilling their obligations suffering rain penetration because landlords are not fulfilling their part.

We look forward to the publication of a full list and to the authority's proposed strategy.

BH Tetlow

Chairman

Bolton and District Civic Trust