Sir, – It is rumoured that the very attractive mellow stonework of Finkle Street bridge, Thirsk, is to be "repaired".

Is the bridge a listed structure? If not it should be in order to prevent unsuitable and garish materials being used.

Some years ago much of the original stonework of the Millgate Bridge was removed and replaced with what appears to be reconstituted stone (ie coloured concrete). The replaced material still looks out of place and unsightly. Some of the stone was placed under the third arch of the bridge in a failed attempt to prevent silting. Where the rest of the valuable stone went is unknown.

If the stonework really is unsafe, which I doubt, It would be possible to replace worn material with matching stone, or else the existing blocks cut in half, turned "sides to middle" with a cement infill.

The usual excuse for doing a poor job is lack of funds, but it is more important to preserve attractive features of the town.

After all, many businesses in Thirsk rely on the money brought into the town by tourists, and without the businesses there would be less Council Tax collected.

CHRIS WRIGHT

Long Street, Thirsk.