I am disappointed to read of residents who wish to see Stonebow House demolished without considering cost or proposing a replacement (The Press, February 6).

Over the years I have witnessed a good many attractive buildings demolished and the erection of ill-favoured replacements. Let’s get it right this time.

So far, only Matthew Laverack has suggested a reasonable solution (Letters, January 16). The removal of the podium could only be beneficial visually, and might even reinvigorate the practicality of its design. I can’t believe even the lovers of our homespun ‘brutalism’ would defend this sprawling superfluity. It should go whatever else is proposed.

Cladding of the tower would be the worst possible compromise. Dreamed up by one of our council visionaries or their funded minions, I expect.

Shaving off the top storey, or storeys (as the Parisians did with a much finer building), might mitigate that brooding dominance, but no cosmetics, please!

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.