THE city council has refurbished a building opposite Sainsbury for extra offices.

Qualified artisans re-pointed the wall facing the fire station with great skill. However, at evening overtime rates this week, BT engineers placed black boxes and cables along this piece of craftsmanship. The Victorian method of slinging wires from posts was still used.

Some months ago, a trench was dug across Cable Street to bring electricity cables into the building. Why could not a duct for telephone cables have been put into the same trench?

Also, when all the refurbishment was going on, why could a communications duct not have been provided in the building? This would have avoided tacking cables along the wall.

What is a director of regeneration for, if it is not to ensure that when buildings are being refurbished some forward thinking goes in to ensuring that the very best is achieved?

On this occasion, I estimate that a little foresight would have reduced costs.

M R Jackson, Hest Bank