I don't think they should be using the words 'clean' and 'graffiti-free' in the same sentence as the word Sheffield, but let's move on to the main gist of the article.

Our city needs more steel and glass like it needs a hole in the head and it's vital that what bits of heritage that are left are preserved for future generations.

I count myself among those whom The Star has given countless column inches and am grateful to Sheffield Newspapers for so doing.

There is nothing worse than a soulless landscape and many of the ex-Eastern Bloc citizens who have chosen to live here will tell you what this mentality does to the human psyche. I'm pleased that he mentioned George Orwell as this is the danger of the road that we may well go down.

The thought of human zombies aimlessly shuffling round look-a-like edifices in Clone-City is quite frightening and the thought that perfectly sound buildings are to be trashed to create this effect is very worrying.

The comparison with Leeds and Manchester is quite fatuous as these two cities contain some of the finest old buildings in the north of England, most of which have been lovingly restored. They also contain some superb modern buildings and this is where Sheffield is going wrong. Not only are our historic buildings being needlessly swept away but their replacements are of inferior quality which will be swept away yet again in 30/40 years time.

Where is the sense of continuity?

For some strange reason Sheffield seems to attract banal architecture whilst our rival cities manage to build gasp-making buildings – show me one in Sheffield. I'm still searching the skyline and in spite of all the cranes I'm still waiting to be impressed.

Sheffield actually has less historic buildings than its more prominent rivals but still seems hell-bent on destroying what is left.

Modern buildings do not guarantee economic success. Feelings of familiarity and cosiness do encourage people to get their wallets and purses out. Quirky helps, not hinders.

Keep the comfortable old slippers but at the same time create some hand-stitched leather moccasins.

They can and should sit side by side on the same shoe rack.

Howard Greaves, Vice Chairman, Hallamshire Historic Buildings Society

I NOTE readers' comments on the old buildings which are being knocked down and, in most cases, replaced by glass and concrete boxes.

The worst I have seen so far is the Sheffield University block at the top of Hanover Way, on the Brook Hill island side. It is ugly and a horrible green colour.

I would be interested to know if any readers have spotted a building which is uglier than this.

There is no prize for the ugliest.
Mr R Johnson, Maple Croft Crescent, Sheffield S9

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