People who demonstrate or write letters in objection to the proposed new offices for West Dorset District Council are, in effect, arguing for the following consequences of staying in Stratton House:

* Expenditure of £3million on essential maintenance to extend the life of unsuitable offices, including replacement of a life-expired heating system (this capital saving, together with £3.5million from the sale of Stratton House, will go a long way towards the cost of the new offices).

* Continuing to heat and light a complex maze of corridors and staircases (nearly 40 per cent of total space);

* Subjecting staff and visitors to a network of long corridors with many steps and staircases which are not disabled-accessible;

* Heat losses through a disproportionately large area of poorly insulated walls and roofs.

* Running costs of £548,000, compared with £122,000 in the new building.

The details are set out in a leaflet available from Council offices or on line at www.dorsetforyou.com/ newoffices If you can find the earlier leaflet, it gives a drawing of the existing offices explains the problems.

Anyone who objects to the proposed new offices should read the leaflet. You may not agree with the conclusions, but at least you will then know the facts.

Mike Keatinge, Marston Road, Sherborne