SIR - While news that positive action is to be taken to resolve the long-standing issue of the former Wapping School, I can’t help wondering why this Grade II listed building has been allowed to become derelict beyond salvation.

The school, which catered for 384 pupils, was opened on 7 May 1877, by Alderman James Law, Chairman of the Bradford School Board. The total cost was £7,482.18s, a large amount being expended on preparing a difficult sloping site requiring deep excavation and substantial retaining walls. The school was considerably extended so that by 1896 the accommodation provided for 1047 pupils in a densely populated poor district.

Historically the school is of national significance. Well known is the fact that the first municipal school swimming baths were opened there on 16 December 1898. Less well known is that the first school meals in the country were served on the premises in March 1886. This was an informal arrangement since legislation did not permit public funds to be used in such a way.

I hope that the proposed development will incorporate a considerable portion of the original fabric of this important building, and that its pioneering role will be suitably commemorated.

John C Jackson, Long Meadows, Burley-in-Wharfedale