SOME weeks ago you featured an article written by Matthew Taylor regarding the old fire station in Marsden Road, Bolton.

The opening paragraph read -- "Architectural experts from the South have praised the beauty of Bolton's old Marsden House fire station -- although the town's Civic Trust has condemned it as an eyesore."

This statement very much annoyed many of our members and officers, who have fought for years for the preservation of this building.

At a recent meeting of the Turton Group, who represent more than 25 per cent of our total membership, the motion to refute this statement was carried by a large majority vote.

I am writing to inform you of this decision and to confirm that the Bolton and District Civic Trust, as a society, still consider this building worthy of preservation, despite the personal views of the Chairman and myself.

As we understand it, the present planning permission does not include for demolition of the facade and main features, but approves conversion and extension -- not rebuilding.

Matthew Taylor is quite correct in a later paragraph, although it conflicts with some of his other allegations, when he states: "However, as reported in the Bolton Evening News, The Bolton Civic Trust believes the conversion of this building is a good idea."

Any scheme for restoring a derelict building into useful service, while at the same time bringing back habitable units into the town centre, must be a good idea.

H Lindsay

Tottington Road,

Harwood, Bolton