YOU recently published several items about the vine on what was the Rutson Hospital, Northallerton, formerly known as Vine House or The Vine.

Early this year former mayor John Coulson was said to be seeking a preservation order to protect what is left of the vine.

Did anybody take any notice? Has there been a change of plan? Is it the intention to re-name the property Elder House?

The elder trees now thriving as weeds at the front of this neglected building are a disgrace to its listed status and to the town’s High Street.

Are the remains of the vine still there or have they been swamped by these unsightly elders? Perhaps somebody is intent on making elderflower wine?

Something should be done immediately to remove the elders and preserve the remains of this historic vine.

David Severs, Northallerton