I AGREE with John Carpenter (Have Your Say, January 3) that everyone in Swansea should be concerned about our historical buildings. I find it surprising that a developer has not purchased the Lyceum (due to the fact it is a beautiful building and is well positioned in High Street (near the newly refurbished railway station and a few doors down from the new urban village development).

For many years now High Street has been left to deteriorate but hopefully the improvements to the railway station and the urban village will lead to a smartening up of High Street. A good start would be to demolish the vacant eyesore directly opposite the station.This would improve the visual aspect of High Street by 25 per cent at least.

It would be lovely if The Palace could operate as a theatre again but, if not, it could be converted into flats and/or a restaurant or utilised by the university.

The council should try to liaise with these people for the mutual benefit of the landlord and the residents of Swansea.

The Urban Development is the trailblazer for High Street's regeneration but the council should seriously consider Compulsory Purchase Orders if necessary. At present the council can say that due to the economic climate they do not have the money — however High Street has always been ignored even when times were good.

I hope that one day very soon High Street's potential is realised so it can once again be a prominent, busy street that Swansea can be proud of — but this won't be achieved by sitting back and doing nothing — Swansea Council Regeneration Department should put High Street at the top of its "to do" list.

Gary Millar

King's Road, Swansea