One example is bus stops. The new ones are not good, as can be seen from the solid structures that dot the city centre. They consist of seats placed diagonally and parallel to one another which obstruct the view of commuters seated there. From the seats, it is not easy to see approaching buses.

I believe there are many other old bus stops still in existence. Quite a number have been torn down to make way for modern ones. If they are not broken, or can be repaired, there is no need to replace them with new ones.

There are two buildings which did not feature in the Straits Times online poll, the former Grand Hotel at the end of Still Road South and the former headquarters of the Straits Settlement Volunteer Force (SSVF) in Beach Road, which dates back more than a century. Both are of distinctive architectural merit and represent a bygone age and historical period.

I believe the Grand Hotel was the holiday home of some wealthy people early in the 20th century and its unusual Gothic architecture attests to its period of construction. It now looks forlorn and run down from lack of care and being vacant for decades.

The SSVF headquarters was witness to Singapore's history and development for about a century and gave birth to the Singapore Armed Forces of today. It would be a shame if it went under the wrecker's ball.

I hope the authorities will save these and other landmarks of worth and beauty that recall our past.

Murali Sharma