Sir – It is now unfortunately accepted that the valuable lead-based materials used in building construction and repairs will always be an easy, profitable target for thieves. However, one must question why the council taxpayer must continue to fund the re

Sir - It is now unfortunately accepted that the valuable lead-based materials used in building construction and repairs will always be an easy, profitable target for thieves. However, one must question why the council taxpayer must continue to fund the replacement of stolen lead from Welwyn Hatfield Council buildings. We council taxpayers pay insurance premiums for damage and theft cover for our own homes, and likewise commercial office insurance can also cover theft. Why should the council need to ask local people to foot the bills?

Additionally, a range of lead-alternative materials are on the market, especially for making lead-free flashings. There are environmental benefits from using lead-free alternatives. Studies have shown that a significant amount of the pollution found in rainwater, wastewater and soils in built-up areas comes from lead leaching from building flashings. This was such a problem in Denmark that in 2003 they banned the use of any lead in new buildings, and now apply alternative means of sealing joints in building construction.

I hope that the county council will re-address these insurance and construction issues for all existing and new buildings. This could help to both reduce the incidents of lead thefts and remove their reliance on the local council tax payers to cover any losses.

D Watson, Longcroft Lane, WGC.