STATUE John Laird has again written to the Wirral Globe expressing concern at what is going on in his beloved historic Hamilton Square - now the scene of traffic congestion, rows of parked cars and those modern bus shelters, subject of complaint in his first letter.

Already the new railings have been damaged by cars trying to turn right into the square while trying to avoid the traffic island. Statue Laird also has the support of a leading solicitor in the square, who is equally concerned about 'modernistic bus shelters in what is probably the best Listed square outside London'.

Statue Laird writes: "Once again, I feel it necessary to comment upon the work being carried out in my beloved Hamilton Square.

"This time it is about planning. I understand there is insufficient money in the coffers to carry out or, should I say, complete the project.

"Who are these faceless people who have gone ahead with this project (I understand with EC money) when the project could not be completed unless the Lottery Fund Committee sets a precedent by giving a supplementary award? The whole area is now in complete turmoil."

The solicitor says: "I find the bus shelters and the work being carried out in Hamilton Square particularly disturbing, when one considers how all the owners of buildings in Hamilton Square, a while ago, out of their own pockets, contributed considerable sums of money to improve buildings while agreeing all sorts of conditions.

"I understand that Hamilton Square, which is essentially, and has been now for some time, offices, has already had a hot air balloon in the square and can now look forward to music in the square in the lunchtime.

"Presumably things will get better and better with hot dog stands and candy floss, deck chairs and even, perhaps, goalposts in the grass areas. How about a miniature railway and swings?"

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.