Tell pupils about our namesake

A lot of letters are appearing relating to Thomas Telford and so they should, especially in the anniversary year of his birth.

And especially from people who live in the town named after him.

I often wonder how many local schools are taking advantage of this anniversary year, to tell the pupils all about Thomas Telford - just who he was and how much he did for Shropshire and the legacies he left behind.

I am sure that by telling them now the memories will remain and perhaps inspire.

I only wish it were possible to get the message through to the powers that be, in our local borough, of what he stood for.

His great aim was "build to last", and he was proud to leave his trademark behind.

However, I'm sure he would turn in his grave if he saw the legacy of the town that bears his name: Buildings erected a few short years ago already demolished or in dire need of being so; schools built 60 years ago still in use today but those built 30 years ago already demolished, because they are no longer fit for purpose.

Surely this concept is more expensive in the long term? Or is it just that modern day architects don't know how to design to last, or builders cut corners in the design and so the buildings can't last?

With all of the monies our current council is proposing spending on the refurbishment of local centres and town centre itself, can't it, this time round, "build to last"? Perhaps then, Thomas Telford can RIP and his legacy live on forever.

W M Crosbie, Telford