It is with pride and gratitude to the achievements of the men and women who built, served and maintained the North Riding Infirmary for almost 140 years that I am attempting to draw attention to the fate of the NRI portico. I am in the process of starting up a protest group to try and get the portico properly restored and moved to a more suitable place where it may serve as a monument to Middlesbrough's industrial history.

The developers may have had their way as far as the demolition of a great building is concerned but the disrespect they have shown towards the portico is something we can change as a community. I have the backing of former Infirmary staff, local residents and buisness people but we need as much support as possible to be heard.

Anyone wishing to join the group please leave a comment below or email gmollard@hotmail.com

Thank you.