I AM sorry J A Daniels should have misconstrued my opening words ( You Say, September 11) which were quoted from the original article in justification for the modernisation mania that swept away historic Lich Street, College Street and much of picturesque old Worcester.

My experience confirmed that such squalor did indeed exist in the area and I said so in all fairness. I have always consistently opposed what took place and even if the whole area had deteriorated to the standard I witnessed, I would not have considered it beyond restoration and sympathetic refurbishment.

Looking at the hideous and uncharacteristic development which replaced it I can only reflect that whatever happens now will never restore Worcester to its former glory.

JOHN G HINTON

Worcester