I am so relieved to learn that the damage at Ewell Court House is not as bad as first feared.

When I read about the fire last week and saw the pictures on your website I really thought that it would be six months at least before it would be used again as a community resource.

But to hear on Friday that the library and tea room are already open was better news anyone in this community could have possibly hoped for.

I trust that the nursery will also open in the not too distant future, as many parents rely on it.

However there is still clearly a very long way to go before this historic house is restored to its former glory and its many users can enjoy it in the way they have done in the past.

English Heritage is right to say that action must be taken to prevent further damage from the rain and weather over the winter, until restoration work is completed next year.

While a fire like this is shocking, and the damage will certainly cost a lot to repair to the standard expected of a Grade II listed building, it does also offer an opportunity to upgrade the facilities in the building.

How wonderful it would be if, when the house reopens, it is not only as good as before, but actually better!

It should certainly be the spur to Surrey County Council to get on and do the long-awaited improvement works to the library which have been holding back the running of the place by local volunteers.

Mary White; Ewell

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