Stepped base would solve plinth problem

Sir - I agree that we were very honoured to have probably the greatest living statesman visit Bedford when Nelson Mandela unveiled the bust of Trevor Huddleston.

On first sight, however, it was immediately obvious that the small plinth supplied by the council did not do adequate justice to the bronze bust and indeed, due to its low level, denigrated the installation.

It need not have been so, for like other statues of the great men in the town, those of John Bunyan and John Howard, all that was needed was a stepped base.

This would raise the bronze bust to a height where it would be more easily seen and give dignity to the inscriptions – which are currently on stone set in the pavement – which is often covered with dirt.

I am sure that money can be raised to make this improvement to the plinth, subject to general agreement to the suggestion.

Currently, it is also incongruous to be sited in the area of the new two-faced installation, so a more appropriate place needs to be found, so as to give a better vision of the potential importance of the history of the town of Bedford.