Amazed at Public cost

Re the controversy that has surrounded The Public building in West Bromwich. I totally agree with the views that it is a monstrosity and a waste of money.

However, the aspect that concerns me most is the enormity of the sum of money it is purported to have cost. The figure is put at £53million. It is an enormous amount of cash.

To put it into context as far as building costs are concerned, I will quote two recent Press articles.

The first was about a health centre in Manchester - a five-storey building costing £3million. My sec-ond comparison is the immigration detention centre in Calais - a single-storey complex that cost £1million.

A sum of £53million would also get you 280 average price West Midlands semi-detached houses.

I understand the Arts Council injected £40 million. Have they never wondered where the money has gone? They should have.

I feel the term "public inquiry" has never been more apt. I strongly believe the individuals concerned should be asked to account for the monies spent.

The taxpayers of Sandwell, and indeed the country as a whole, deserve no less.

John Williams, Lechlade Road, Great Barr.