I SHARE the frustration felt by Pendle MP Gordon Prentice (LET, September 20) and those who wish to see the houses in Nelson's Whitefield ward demolished. In fact, I wouldn't stop there. Why not demolish another eyesore -- Bradley?

It is an absolute disgrace that organisations such as the English Heritage feel the need to keep people living in damp, rotten, pre-war properties that you would not wish your dog to live in.

Where was the promise for money years ago when the area was falling into rack and ruin? Why does it take whole areas to decay before English Heritage decide to act?

Don't get me wrong -- I, too, love to see heritage preserved, but not at the cost of bringing up children in damp, squalid environments akin to the 1800s and not the 21st century.

As an ex Nelsonian I am appalled at the level of housing decline. Quoting Mr Prentice I, too, would suggest it is time for English Heritage "to put their money where their mouth is" and to see that the money is spent wisely and not wasted.

It's not often that I agree with the decisions made by Pendle Council but this would have been one of their better ones. It's only a shame they didn't have the backbone and commitment to carry it out.

NASIR MANZOOR, Hillwood Avenue, Manchester.