WITH reference to Ingrid Price-Gschlossis’ letter to the Maldon and Burnham Standard on September 21.

I can readily see where the argument for keeping Prior’s laying up shed is coming from.

But I feel that for sometime now the industry has been virtually extinct as it is throughout the country.

I say this having lived in Burnham for over fifty years and being the principle designer of yachts in the town.

I have also had the responsibility of overseeing construction in most of Burnham’s yards over this period.

Without building, yards cannot survive and all of the yards in the area have had to close their doors.

Priors laying up shed is not and cannot be attractive. It costs money to keep it safe and sound so that a few wandering tourists can ogle over it.

The yachts which once were wintered there have largely gone elsewhere.

I like yourself do not like the thought of it being knocked down but the housing development must have been well considered by this long established family.

Be very very careful for what you wish for. The alternative could be something far more unsightly.

Alan F Hill, Maldon Road, Burnham