Readers have responded with anger to the photographs we published showing the vandalised state of the former Suffolk County Hall.

Pictures taken by urban photographers were sent to us earlier this month.

They had got into the former home of Suffolk County Council through an open door and found it was being used by rough sleepers and drug users.

The also found that the Grade II listed building had been seriously vandalised, with glass smashed, floorboards removed, and wooden panelling prised off walls.

The pictures provoked angry web comments. “Boris” said: “Since it is a listed building, the council can order the owners to make it secure and to carry out repairs.

“It can then inspect and if the work is not satisfactory it can compulsorily purchase the building.”

Don Wilson, sent a message from the US. He said: “Wow, what a disgrace this listed building, part of the town’s history, is allowed to be destroyed by idiots!

“Where are the patrolling security guards? I grew up close by and now live in Florida. Would love to have this here where I’m sure it would be treasured! Well done to the photographers.”

And “RC” said the county council should have taken care to ensure the future of the building was secure when it sold it eight years ago.

A spokesman for the county council said the building’s future was governed by the fact it is Grade II listed and under the protection of English Heritage and planning officials at the borough. County Hall had been sold to developers who had developed other parts of the site, and the listed building had been sold on to its current owners since it was sold by the county council.

n What do you think about the state of county hall? E-mail starletters@archant.co.uk or alternatively you can write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.