SO it looks as if we are about to say goodbye to a number of public libraries in Southampton to join pubs, fire stations, ambulance stations, police stations, bank branches, all the remaining public toilets and, of course, shops which will be boarded up, giving the city a depressing and dilapidated appearance.

Apart from empty shops it is virtually impossible to convert these types of buildings for other usage, and because of the high cost, their demolition will take a considerable time.

JOHN MORAN, Southampton.