Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Intan Azura Mokhtar has called for an exploration of ways in which Kampung Lorong Buangkok can co-exist with urban life (MP calls for preservation of last kampung on S'pore mainland; Oct 3).

I strongly support her appeal and hope the urban planners can engage the public and heritage experts in a dialogue before any demolition takes place.

The site is slated to make way for a major road and two schools.

While it may be difficult to find an alternative site for the road, it is possible to do so for the schools.

Furthermore, with more school mergers taking place over the years because of the reduced number of students, building another two schools seems illogical.

Preserving Kampung Lorong Buangkok has immeasurable benefits.

It has historical value - a kampung that has stood the test of time as Singapore transformed from a Third World country to a First World nation.

It also has great educational value.

For instance, a group of Primary 5 pupils visited the site and learnt about the concept of co-existence in the real world, and to appreciate the world and region we live in.

Heritage and urbanisation should not be mutually exclusive. With careful planning and public consultation, it is possible for the two to co-exist and complement each other.

I urge the urban planners to reconsider the plan to demolishKampung Lorong Buangkok.

I hope they can consider conserving the kampung partially or integrating it with urbanisation plans.

There are no alternative locations for historic sites.

Catherine Soh Yun Fen (Ms)