REMEMBRANCE Day, is a day when we remember the brave men and women who fought in our wars, some paying the ultimate price in the defence of our nation, giving us the freedoms we enjoy today.

Last Friday, I was appalled to find men noisily digging up part of Durham Market Place.

The work continued until about 15 minutes before the twominute silence. The area was packed with people showing their respect during a short service conducted by The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, the Dean of Durham Cathedral.

On Sunday morning, I visited the cathedral for the Remembrance Service. There were so many people present, it was standing room only. When I approached the Market Place prior to the parade and march past, I was amazed and disgusted to find half the Market Place fenced off and a huge platform structure partially built.

It resembled a building site and not what one might expect on such an important day. Was the work so urgent that it could not have waited until after the weekend?

As the authorities, it would seem, have shown so little respect this year in this regard, I dread to think what next year might bring.

Colin G Farquhar, Durham.