I RESPECTFULLY share the view of some, that the proposal to demolish the former Chippenham College building in Cocklebury Road should at least be the subject of further scrutiny.

I have fond memories of the building: firstly in 1966 when I attended the college to retake an A-level and again in 2009/10 when I did a BTEC in Electrical Engineering (part-time) just out of interest.

The building has large teaching rooms that have beautiful sound characteristics that ideally suit teaching and similar uses.

Given the time span between my attendances it seems to me a timeless construction that has showed little deterioration in the 43 years between my encounters with it.

It was of course updated to cope with 21st-century technology, which it took in its stride, and for that reason that I am confident that a change of use is a step that is within possibilities available.

Why keep it? Well, not all buildings are worth keeping. Contrast the demolition of the old Hygrade complex in Westmead Lane. That set of buildings had been there for several centuries but its preservation would have prevented the building of a worthwhile addition to the stock of care homes in the Chippenham area and Westmead Lane is to an extent tucked away.

The old college building fronting Cocklebury Road is not hidden and dominates the road, being seen by all the visitors to the station car parks and many others passing and re-passing this extremely busy road.

It is of a classic style that, in this particular case, was built by those concerned with the town’s secondary education of its youth in the early 20th century.

Indeed, I recollect it was opened by an Alderman and some time Mayor, John Cole and hence to those of us living in Chippenham the demotion would destroy yet another link with our past, bearing in mind we have to this day a first-class park bearing his name.

In passing and of note is that we have an increasing number of care homes and more may result in a yet another coffee/charity shop feeling in our community’s psyche.

So, in conclusion, please give the demolition proposal a second look and take into account the mistakes that were inflicted upon our town in the 1960s with careless planning decisions.

RJB GILES Yewstock Crescent West Chippenham