I read with interest the article by Jill Crooks entitled End of an eyesore? in last week’s publication.

I found myself wondering how many other readers had, like myself, experienced the feeling of deja vu.

The application submitted by Gatewells’ agents Urban Spectrum is remarkably similar to that submitted by my, and my then business partner’s company, Davis & Dyke, around 25 years ago. This was long before the building had started to deteriorate into its present heartbreaking condition. The major differences are that we intended to convert the building into 10 apartments, as opposed to the current 18, and with the provision of parking facilities.

The reason that our application did not proceed was because of the objection by English Heritage. I wonder, now that the building has become, in your words, an eyesore and virtually derelict, whether English Heritage will again poke their nose in and again object.

Had they not objected, something that is still a major disappointment to myself, my business partner and many of the residents of Devizes, and had Kennet had the backbone to fight our corner, it would now have been fully occupied for more than 20 years.

May I express the sincere hope that, with regard to the current application, common sense together with the interests of the town prevail, that our local councils fully support the scheme over any outside interference, and that this building can be restored to a condition and use of which town can be proud.

Roger Davis, Southbroom Road, Devizes.