They think they know everything about how cities develop. Instead of doing some proper research they are content to pick up their whopping salaries without having to leave their cosy desks.

A little trip to the library, or even to various Peterborough websites, would have told our intrepid reporter that Bourges Boulevard came after the Woolworths building. Before Bourges Boulevard was driven through lower Bridge Street (it was one continuous street right to the river) there was a Victorian building in front of the flank wall of Woolworths, and the current stark relationship of building and road did not exist. That said, Nigel is right. Apart from charitable abseiling, I can't think of anything good to say about the Woolworths building.

I think we should have a mural on the wall which would humanise the blank flank of the building. Should we move the stone Mitchells mural from Bridge House (the current Planning Department) there when that building is demolished to make way for the Southbank scheme? How about solar panels – it faces due south and would generate lots of free energy. If enough people want a project to happen, then it can – we've already got agreement that the ugly modern building behind St John's Church will be demolished to make a new public square as part of the Cathedral Square revamp.

At a time when the city is going to see many new buildings springing up, it would be good to know that clever journalists can help make our city a better place by encouraging architects, planners and everyone else who cares passionately about Peterborough, by starting a positive campaign to improve these eyesores.

So who's going to set the competition off for designs on the Woolworths carbuncle? How about The Evening Telegraph and their highly talented deputy editor?

David Turnock
Peterborough Civic Society

nTurn to page 17 for this week's Thornton On Thursday.

Sad day for city democracy

It was a sad day for Peterborough when the council lost men of such calibre as David Raines and John Bartlett, men of one hundred percent integrity, honour and commitment, men who have been mayors of Peterborough and ambassadors for the city.

They are men who have not only done so much good for the city, but who are respected by members of all political persuasions.

The experience they have gained over the years and have given to their various committees, especially planning, will leave a void that will not be replaced for several years to come.

What passes for democracy these days is, in my opinion, a sham. The majority of people don't bother to vote and, undoubtedly, they are the ones who complain the loudest when the council does something they do not like.

A vast amount of the minority that do vote in council elections do so for all the wrong reasons.