I read with dismay (LT, April 6) that yet another Blackburn building has been damaged by fire.

So many of our local buildings of note, some of them nationally listed, have fallen prey to arson in recent years that one could be forgiven for wondering why.

It will be interesting to see whether future buildings in this position follow the same spiralling pattern of neglect, vandalism, arson, and eventual demolition.

It appears to many that developers may wish for vandalism to occur, so as to achieve planning consent for demolition.

Certainly, the owners of listed buildings (and that includes councils) have a duty of care to maintain the fabric in good repair to a legally acceptable standard.

This presumably includes providing adequate security against vandals when buildings are unoccupied.

The War Memorial Wing of the former Blackburn Infirmary has already been subjected to merciless vandalism over a long period, including lead thieves.

As owners, what measures are the BwD Council taking to protect Griffin Lodge, a Grade 2 listed building, from total vulnerability? Civic Voice will be watching with interest.

David Smalley, Blackburn, Darwen & Rural Civic Voice.