GERALD Norden raised an interesting question relative to the 300-year-old ballroom floor in what remains of the Royal George.

I understand that the floor was regularly able to withstand the stresses exerted by upwards of 100 people dancing on it.

And yet, it is now supposedly not able to take the weight of some tables and chairs and, what I assume should be, some sedate diners.

Could it be that, like the cobbles that have now disappeared, the floor is worth considerably more as salvaged materials?

In view of the fact that the developer has, from the outset, ignored the possible goodwill benefits of entering into dialogue with local residents, I suggest that residents are entitled to feel concerned about the damage being done to such a centrally located listed building.

As regards the cobbles, presumably the same argument applies to the cobbles outside the Sessions House and also to any raised kerb-stone.

But, instead of spending time in trying to think of reasons to support the demolition of our local history, perhaps our politically correct bureaucrats could direct their attention to the large numbers of dangerous potholes now in both the pavements and in the roads in and around Knutsford.

They are also part of the neglect that is beginning to make our town look scruffy, which is a pity.

ROGER BIRCHALL

St John's Road

Knutsford