I feel very sorry for people in helen's house.
Ellie Barnett John Mason school

I attended the newer Derby Grammar School, but heard of the history of St. Helens House, as it had been the previous home of Derby School. A great pity it isn't being restored for public use, or even the University! And, where will they move the Derby School War Memorial; back to Moorway Lane this time?
Andy Swain, Derby

Why try to change Derby’s inner city policy inherited from the days it was a town. In an attempt to keep up with Nottingham, but in fact follow far behind in their wake, Derby adopted a well known policy of ‘architectural euthanasia’. The future of Derby’s few sites of interest and heritage remain safe providing they’re not in the way of another car park, road widening scheme or glass and steel monstrosity dedicated to Tracey Emin….who? The city, (for many Derby people it’s still referred to as town), has deteriorated into an uninteresting collection of corporate branded shop fronts with almost no visibility of interesting architecture. Of course there are a few exceptions, of which St Helen’s House is a good example. However, there’s still sufficient time for the city authorities to wreak their usual unimaginative brand of ‘improvement and renovation’ by selling this rare example of Derby’s heritage to Wetherspoons for conversion into a student bar. Derby’s City Council appear to believe value is measured by price alone and over the years have produced an uninspiring city that appears to be unknown on the other side of the channel, hence Nottingham East Midlands Airport. Personally, I would like to see changes based on recognising the absolute necessity for Derby to have an identity based on our established heritage and not converting the city into one big shopping mall and car park. As a constructive suggestion, Derby City Council should sponsor an independent Heritage Advisory Group, led by Richard Felix to recognise and consider our remaining heritage when issues such as these with St Helen’s House arise, now that really would be a step in the right direction.
Chris Walton, Etwall

I was privileged to go to Derby School (1947-51) and I was constantly aware that St. Helen's House was a special place, you Bemrose Bucketbangers could keep your boring new school buildings because we had a building and a school steeped in history, something to be proud of. I am amazed and disgusted that such an important building has been allowed to slip into such a state, why must we destroy beauty and history in the name of progress? I can vividly recall the beautiful old cottages in St. Alkmunds Churchyard which I passed as I walked to school and would hate to think that St. Helen's House will go the same way or even be ruined by money-grabbing developers. Why can't the whole facility be utilised by the University of Derby? For the benefit of correspondent Northworthy the Five's courts were demolished many years ago, I presume to provide more car-parking spaces for the students. Give Dennis Sleigh and his compatriots your support in trying to make sure that the old house lives on.
Tony Moore, Breadsall Estate, Derby.

It'll make a quality pub!!!!
Rich, Derby

We need to retain and maintain our heritage for future generations. If the council are really unable to afford repairs, then I would support the building being taken over by a Trust, as long as public access rights are maintained. It should not be sold to private developers.
Rachel, derby

I went to school there in the 60's - it is very sad that the building has fallen into such neglect - and where are the Five's courts? Any trust will have my support both moral and financial.
Northworthy - Switzerland

Some things are too important to be contaminated by filthy lucre! St Helens House is one of the very few historic buildings left in Derby and as such is part of its Heritage. Why not sell or lease it to Richard Felix (and his pals)so that it can be preserved and restored for the benefit of the whole of Derby instead of a few well heeled individuals! Or even as a last resort give it to the National Trust or English Heritage.
Hazel Malcolm-Walker,Derby