Letter: Timber treatment

Sir: The Heritage Secretary has refused to approve the rescue plan prepared by English Heritage and the English Heritage Memorial Fund to save for the nation Pitchford Hall (and its contents). The building has been described as 'England's finest timber-framed house'.

The Prime Minister has said he will stick to Mr Mellor 'through thick and thin'. This does seem pretty thick.

Yours faithfully,

SUSAN STEVENS

Guildford,

Surrey

5 September