2 NOVEMBER 1956, Page 18

SIR,—In 'City and Suburban' on October 5 Mr. Betjeman congratulates

W. H. Smith 0" preserving period shop-fronts. I am glad theY have turned over a new leaf, as one of the most charming Regency buildings in the West Country, the Royal Library at Teignmouth, has been ruined by a W. H. Smith green-tiled frontpiece and if you look above to the original you can see what damage has been done,—Yours faithfully, Montpelier House, Torquay

ANTHONY ROUSE