THE emergency services have been called out to 19 fires and 146 incidents at the disused Focus store in St Helen Auckland.

Here’s a radical idea – why not erect a temporary fence, demolish the building and take the pieces away?

Even today’s underclass will have their work cut out vandalising a patch of soil and weeds next to a main road.

Metric Properties, which has earmarked the land for even more new stores in the area, argue there are no suitable sites closer to Bishop Auckland, totally at odds with Ravenhill Estates’ plan to construct a similar development as close to the town centre as you could possibly get.

Hopefully, though I’m not holding my breath, the former plan will be consigned to the dustbin of history, while the latter will get the green light and maybe enhance Bishop’s chances of once again becoming a vibrant retail centre.

I Robson, Bishop Auckland.