Simon Wright, of Aller Brake Road, Newton Abbot, writes:

Like many Newton Abbot residents, I am very pleased with the refurbishment of the town's historic library building and I am also disgusted by the mindless vandalism which will cost thousands of pounds to repair while disrupting the normal use of this valued asset.

However, serious questions need to be asked about the specification of taps that could be left running – surely a competent architect knows that a public building should have self-closing push release taps which turn themselves off after a few seconds.

Also, what management structure is in place in the building? I have worked in a number of different workplaces and at the end of the day a designated and reliable person has always had the responsibility before leaving and locking up to walk through the whole building checking all areas where people may be and where lights, windows, electrical devices and taps may have been left on or open.

Perhaps this awful incident could have been prevented if more time had been spent at the design stage considering the minority of idiots who may try to wreck this facility and in training staff to appreciate the simple, everyday issues that need to be managed.

This incident is not only a very expensive lesson but an embarrassment for the town.MORE LETTERS IN OUR DIGITAL EDITION