IN my opinion it is incumbent on all thinking people to strive to protect the best of their environment. In this way, the nation has preserved for future generations an architectural heritage which otherwise could have met an ignominious fate.

May I request Durham County Council let the people of Bishop Auckland know its intentions towards a listed building in the town, known as the Laurel Building (comic legend Stan Laurel's old school which was ravaged by fire earlier this year), and for which it assumes a guardianship role.

It is presumably the case that public bodies, such as the county council, have a statutory obligation to ensure insurance protection for all buildings, let alone graded ones, within its care.

This being the case, can it please advise how soon it envisages restoration work starting and, more importantly, what pertinent role it will eventually play for the caring folk of the town to which the architectural and cinematographic heritage belongs?

CS Simons, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.