Tunnel vision :LETTER

From Professor R. Angus

Buchanan

Sir: It is depressing to find London Underground so unwilling to consider the need to rethink its attitude towards Marc Brunel's Thames Tunnel (Lord Howie's letter, 15 June.)

The spot-listing of the tunnel should have stimulated some recognition of the possibility that the proposal to shotcrete it throughout its length would be both structurally ineffective and damaging to a significant national monument.

At least LU should have waited for the full report of the experts commissioned by English Heritage before seeking to subvert the listing.

It is to be hoped that the Environment Secretary, John Gummer, will now recognise the overwhelming case for a public inquiry, as the LU custodianship of the monument has proved to be so inadequate.

Yours faithfully.

R. ANGUS BUCHANAN

Director

Centre for the History of

Technology

University of Bath

Bath

16 June