Letter: Save BT museum

Sir: The announcement by BT that it is to close its telecommunications museum (report, 1 March) is a further sign of the social irresponsibility of the privatised utilities.

The museum, in the heart of the City of London, was opened in 1982 and houses Britain's telecommunications heritage, spanning some 200 years. The decision is based primarily on cost and its "poor" site location - but the museum has suffered from a lack of company direction, publicity and development funding for some time.

Currently the BT Museum receives thousands of school-age children each year. Visitors of all ages can trace the progress in communications, from the earliest days of telegraphy to the latest satellite and optical fibre technologies, learning about pioneers such as Bell, Morse, Edison and Marconi.

The museum receives thousands of requests for information from the general public each year. It boasts a well-stocked resource centre.

Why can the company not leave the existing museum open while seeking an alternative site - perhaps close to the BT Tower and London's West End?

D ALABASTER

Billericay, Essex