WHEN will we ever learn? In Victorian times, the city fathers came close to demolishing York's bar walls.

Last century there was serious discussion about pulling down a dilapidated old street called Shambles.

Today, with York's economy founded on tourism, you might expect our heritage would be treated with more respect. But no.

Burton Croft should be bulldozed, council officials have recommended. Presumably these are the same officers who appeared to be blissfully unaware of the significance of the building when Barratt first proposed to demolish it.

Burton Croft is not just an old mansion. It is the place John Bowes Morrell called home.

More than any other individual, Alderman Morrell made York what it is today. His list of achievements is astonishing: the youngest director of Rowntree's; newspaper magnate; city councillor for half a century; visionary behind the Castle Museum; co-founder of the Civic Trust; twice Lord Mayor.

Two of his greatest triumphs prompt particular pause for thought. He was the driving force behind York University; but it was the university which shamefully off-loaded his bequest of Burton Croft.

JB Morrell also founded the York Conservation Trust, which has conserved 60 of the city's most historic buildings. So it is the ultimate irony that Mr Morrell's own home is set to be destroyed.

Scores of residents and Evening Press readers have expressed outrage at this cultural vandalism. A couple of councillors have also objected to the plan. But where is the fight?

Where is the Morrell-like passion to do the right thing? We can only hope it surfaces at next week's planning meeting. If councillors are not prepared to try to stop the eradication of Burton Croft, what else will they sacrifice?

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, July 01, 2004