I JUST had to put pen to paper to protest at what seems to be a proliferation of ugly new “modern” buildings on Teesside and elsewhere.

Stockton and Middlesbrough have followed the trend with new buildings on either side of the Tees, one adjacent to Victoria Bridge.

They are all the same, having random bright coloured panels, which end up looking like a child’s drawings or building blocks.

The latest is to be the refurbishment of the Forum Theatre in Billingham.

I would like to think that architects were not involved with such designs but sadly, very sadly, I know that that is not the case.

Is there any hope that we will reverse the trend? Is it the lack of funds which is driving these simplistic ugly designs? There has to be some reason.

If such designs for buildings are to be the future, I am pleased I was born when I was.

Colin Fletcher, Stockton.