J BRAY (Your Letters, April 25) feels devastated but not as devastated as the Market House will become if it stops being used.

It was built, at first, as a place of commerce at the heart of the town and has been altered regularly through its life to suit the needs of the townsfolk. Look at the ugly Victorian staircase, which is the cause of the current problem.

At the same time look at the people in the town, both resident and tourist, who are growing old to match the buildings. See the growing number of sticks, crutches and wheelchairs.

As a disabled person, I no longer feel part of a minority.

Ledbury, by embracing the Disability Discrimination Act, has the chance to become a flagship leading many towns with similar problems into the 21st Century instead of remaining a backward town weighed down by the chains of the past.

If the necessary changes are made, the icon of our town will have a chance of being its living heart, instead of a vandalised ruin. Look at the unused upper storeys of some of our other buildings if you want proof: they have fallen into appalling disrepair.

Keep the Market House in use, alive and well and strong on unfair discrimination.

DAVID TURNER, Masefield Close, Lawnside Road, Ledbury.