State of The Lowther a disgrace

Published on 5th June 2008 in Letters

Sir - I read with dismay of the further deterioration of the Lowther Hotel. When I left the ERYC a year ago there was the nucleus of an agreement between the developer, ERYC officers, the Sobriety Centre and the Lib-Dem group, which involved some accommodation but more importantly the retention of the mural rooms to be used for the benefit of the community at large and people interested in local history in particular.

On my last visit to the Lowther it was obvious that it was in a shocking condition, with woodwork ripped out to gain access to copper piping, windows broken, carpets ripped up and, worst of all, the magnificent fireplace in the main room stolen (or so it was implied). I now learn that two fires have been started in the building, by vandals perhaps, who knows?

This sorry state of affairs cannot be left to continue. The Lowther was at the very genesis of Goole's development and I for one consider it, along with the Parish Church, our most important buildings. Every effort must be made not only to save the building but return it to its former glory; this would entail reinstating the fireplace, mouldings and fittings - including the cannon.

This present sacrilege of a most important building must not be allowed to continue. The developer must be brought to the table along with interested parties and a decision made as a matter of the utmost urgency.

Eric Raddings

(Address supplied)