I WAS sorry to read about the demise of the Allertonshire Civic Society (D&S Times, Nov 20). This is especially unfortunate, as Northallerton has major schemes pending or under way at the Rutson Hospital, the prison and North Northallerton.

However, the end of the local civic society may simply reflect a wider trend; the national umbrella body, the Civic Trust, shut down in 2009, to be succeeded by Civic Voice. I note from the Civic Voice website that there are now only two affiliated civic societies in Hambleton, at Stokesley and Thirsk. While such groups appear to be in decline, almost every town or village seems to have a local history society or group, and while in Northallerton, the civic society is no more, the local history society seems to go from strength to strength. This upsurge in local history may reflect a wish to seek solace in the past rather than to confront the future with all of its uncertainties.

History societies are, by their nature, backward looking, while civic societies with their interest in building conservation, new building and development should look forward, and in doing so can act as a critical friend to the local planning authority. It is in this critical role that the Allertonshire Civic Society will be missed.

Tony Robinson, Northallerton