ADAM, I was very pleased to read about the proposals to rebuild the Hereford Old Market Hall and give High Town back its historic centre.
The little Belgian town of Ypres was almost totally destroyed in the First World War but was immediately rebuilt to its old plan. Particular care was taken over the Cloth Hall first completed in 1304 and the Nieuwerk first built in 1619. Local craftsmen were determined to show that the war had not destroyed their town's spirit and the buildings that had made their town unique would simply have to be rebuilt.
Hereford has not suffered in war and despite the necessities of modern commerce remains a remarkable expression of local culture. It matches anything in Europe.
A determination to rebuild the Old Market Hall using local craftsmen would be seen as an expression of a modern city's confidence. It would bind the historic centre together and broadcast the qualities that made Hereford unique.
The inhabitants of the many devastated European cities would have rebuilt it long ago.
GEORGE WOODRUFF,
Church House,
Acton Beauchamp.
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