LORD Armstrong, Sir Edward Heath’s former private secretary, said at his 2005 funeral that ‘Sir Edward had been a man of great integrity... vision and determination’.

Anybody visiting Arundells [the home in Cathedral Close, Salisbury, of the late former Prime Minister Ted Heath] and appreciating culture and history would want to save his beautiful house and its contents that were gifted to the nation, regardless of their politics.

In a letter to me the minister for Tourism and Heritage, John Penrose, said: “Although the Friends of Arundells group has contacted the Heritage Lottery Fund about selling the property, the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Trust hasn’t asked the National Heritage Memorial Fund for funding to keep the house open.

“As I’m sure you appreciate, the NHMF cannot take further action on this case unless it receives a formal request from the Charitable Trust.”

Why has Lord Armstrong not done this to continue Sir Edward’s vision for the enjoyment of future generations?

As an accountant and strategic planner, I consider the trustees seem to have no idea how to run this house successfully, which is why trustee Lord Black resigned in protest and the house could now be sold.

If you object to this sale, please email Helen Harrison at the charity commission before the 17 June.

DAVID H WELLS, Wimborne, Dorset