SIR - I am becoming somewhat weary of the apparently, never-ending saga of Christopher Whitehead School.

These state school buildings have all been erected during the last 70 years. Yet they are now considered to be "old."

However there are terraced houses, albeit modernised, which were built more than 100 years ago and are still likely to stand for many more years. Furthermore we venerate historic castles, stately homes and cathedrals, some of which are in excess of one thousand years old.

They knew how to build in those days, without the assistance of much technology.

I am also reminded of the trains on the London Underground which are considered to be "old" after 17 years in service. Yet, there are steam locomotives till operating which are 100 years old and more.

Does this "throwaway" mentality, so wasteful of the planet's finite resources, extend to everything nowadays? Of course, like so much else, the discard concept is an American import.

We are abjectly influenced by the USA in far too many ways.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.