Your paper recently ran a piece about the city council’s proposals to demolish the Friarsgate Medical Centre and quoted me as saying that this was an utter disgrace (Chronicle, May 25).

The quote is factually correct however out of context and it gives the impression that I am opposed to the loss of this building.

This could not be further from the truth and what I actually said was that it’s a disgrace that after over eight years the council still can’t decide what to do with the site. The term “meanwhile use” is just weasel words and an excuse to delay making a decision. It would be perfectly possible to submit proposals today for a residential scheme here. I have consistently argued for this over the last seven years and the adjoining land owner, St Johns Winchester Charity could well partner with the council so that much-needed new affordable housing could be delivered here.

The Silver Hill scheme that was approved by the Planning Committee was back in December 2014 but then derailed by the Winchester Deserves Better campaign has left our beautiful city with an eyesore at its heart; now that is an utter disgrace.    

Interesting that your correspondent David Selby makes reference to the new development in City Road (Mead House). This is a Huw Thomas-designed building built to the highest standards and has many plaudits across the city so possibly Mr Selby it out of kilter with the majority? That said, the three bus shelters along that side of City Road add nothing to the street scene particularly when only one stop is required for operational reasons.   

Ian Tait,

Romsey Road,

Winchester