Preserve our past and create a better future

Loyd Grossman, writing in the Daily Telegraph yesterday, explained why it is so important to preserve buildings which define our national identity.

He went on to ask for more lottery funds. However, The Three Cups Hotel should not need government money (lottery or otherwise) to keep going. If it is re-opened as a hotel, it would be self-financing as well as allowing tourists to experience a building of huge cultural importance and use it for its original purpose of hospitality.

A re-opened Three Cups would be good news financially and culturally in these difficult economic times because, at the moment, it must be driving tourists away. Come on West Dorset Council, make something happen. Every day that passes while The Cups is shut is lost business for people in Lyme Regis who have to make a living. You are supposed to be there to serve them. Use your powers of compulsory purchase. There are local hoteliers who want to turn this derelict building into a thriving business. How long do we have to wait?