I HAVE no doubt there is a good case for installing CCTV cameras in Marlow (although the presence of police officers - a rare breed indeed these days - would be a far more likeable alternative), but I am also in no doubt that there cannot be bland acceptance of the monstrous post placed centrally to the facade of Number 72, High Street.

This gracious, individual building with its twin three-storey bows and white stucco has long been one of the delights of Marlow.

It was singled out for praise, and given a whole page photograph, by John Betjeman and John Piper when they compiled Murray's Guide to Buckinghamshire in 1948.

It could not merit a photograph now - other than as an example of what not to do.

I am certain that if conservation areas are to mean anything the protection against unsuitable alterations and additions that they are intended to enforce must apply in all circumstances and to all parties.

For the local authorities to blemish a fine, prominent old building and some of the best street scenes in Marlow in this way (and I would also add the post in West Street opposite Quoiting Square) makes a mockery of any pretensions they may promote to be concerned about guarding the visual character of this much admired old town.

R B Lea

West Street

Marlow

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.