HAVING read a great deal of comment, much of it incorrect and ill-informed, about the future of the Haxby Memorial Hall, especially by those who are adamant that it remain in its present form, I wonder if they have actually taken the time to look at the current state of it? You don't have to be a surveyor to see it is well past its "use by date."

A short inspection of the front and rear of the building, especially the grounds, will soon show that deterioration and neglect during many years has reduced this old building to a sad excuse for a public amenity.

As a memorial to the fallen of Haxby in two world wars, it is a disgrace.

In this memorial year of the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we as a community should be backing a total redevelopment of the hall to provide a building that honours, respects and remembers those brave men by providing Haxby with a purpose-built community facility dedicated to them.

Patching up this weed-infested vandal magnet will cost the citizens of Haxby a fortune for no discernable improvement in facilities.

I ask the silent majority in Haxby to become more involved in the redevelopment process and offer help and support to the Memorial Hall trustees to produce a modern memorial building and library that will benefit all sections of the community and not just the blinkered few.

I'm sure most of you will come to the same conclusion as I have that the King Edward VII clock is about the only thing worth refurbishing and preserving.

Remember the past but build for the future.

D L Hunter,

Larch Way,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 11:02 Saturday, July 30, 2005