I AM bemused by last week's Reporter story on the condition of Pioneer House and the audacity of the so-called 'agent' of Stayton.
This fantastic building is a constant reminder of what can happen when a speculator from some far away place 'down south' gambles with the heritage of us 'northerners'.
Stayton came in as a saviour (I am not embarrassed to say I was taken in mysel
f because he was plausible and was the only option available at the time) but will go out as the destroyer of a once iconic building. The damage Stayton has done to Dewsbury is more than the Luftwaffe ever did and has probably left a scar that will take a long time to heal.
The crocodile tears of the agent in saying that they would like to get on with the job is amazing, they have left this building open to the elements, allowed it to become practically unusable, have fought the council all the way and have done the very least they could so that an automatic decision on a compulsory purchase order is not available.
Every person I talk to about the town asks about the building and what is happening to it, it has become the source of ridicule and something that is hard to justify.
I love the town where I was born, through thick and thin, this feeling cannot be imported by someone who sees the town as an investment and a source of making money.
I say to Mr Stayton, walk away from the Pioneer building and all the other buildings you have devastated in the town and let the council get on with mending the dereliction that you have given us.
COUN PAUL KANE (LAB)
Dewsbury East
