Does one of our readers have the answer for the Empire?

We comment on a letter we have received

This website prides itself in bringing up matters for an open discussion - bearing in mind that no public discussion can take place at council meetings, where the public can attend providing they keep their mouths shut.

The reader we refer to suggests that a range of options should be considered after several leading architects have been consulted.   We say: 'Why not have a competition for the best designed building that could cater for a leisure / community centre AND with social housing flats above it?'

The height of the present building certainly allows for this - as shown in the photo on the right, where it is compared with a nearby house.  As the reader says: 'Where are our planners - and our councillors with vision?'

We know the answers to these questions but will not print them - we will leave our readers judge for themselves when they see the results.