Letter: Thatched Dome

Sir: Now that the Millennium Dome roofing contract is being reassessed, why not thatch it ("Millennium Dome may have to move from Greenwich", 24 August)?

Norfolk reed would offer at least 25 years of maintenance-free cover. It is an indigenous, environmentally friendly material, a habitat for numerous mammals, insects and birds.

Thatch naturally conforms to the broadest range of roof contours and could be beautifully wicker-stitched around the Blackwall Tunnel ventilation stack.

Why should an American company draw the long straw?

DAVID ROWLANDS

Chineham, Hampshire