· More on the Archaeological survey

We understand that the archaeological survey of the tunnels site has now been completed and will be passed to the authorities shortly. Once it has been seen by the planning department, it is expected that they will tell the developers whether they can go ahead and start construction. If they are given the go-ahead, construction is likely to start very quickly.

· Channel 4 News feature

While one can never deny that the tunnels themselves are far more interesting than the campaign to save them, there can really be no excuse for the flippant and blinkered feature on Channel 4 News in mid-January. The five-minute item featured a lot of well-produced and interesting video footage of some accessible parts of Williamson's tunnels but made no mention at all of the potentially destructive property development on the site. It is surely neglectful in the extreme to take the opportunity to foster interest in something unique but fail to mention at the same time that it is under serious threat. A letter of response from one of our committee was given headline billing in the Liverpool Echo on January 20th. It read:

I would like to make a couple of points arising from the recent Channel 4 News feature on Joseph Williamson's tunnels in Edge Hill. Firstly, readers should be aware of the impending construction of new student flats adjacent to the tunnel entrances and the attendant destruction of some of the most intricate parts of the labyrinth. Secondly, shame on Ken Smith of Liverpool University for suggesting that the tunnels "we don't have a use for can go". Do we want a new and unique tourist attraction in Liverpool or not? I would suggest that any proud Liverpudlian who wants to really save and renovate the tunnel system should write to Friends of Williamson's Tunnels at 15-17 Chatham Place, Liverpool, L7 3HD

· Archaeological survey

An archaeological survey has been commissioned to study the site of the proposed housing development at Grinfield Street. The publication of the survey is pending and we await its findings, to see if building work in the area would damage Williamson's tunnels and/or access to them. We will keep you informed.

· 'Daily Post' feature

More media exposure for the 'Friends' appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post on Friday 3rd January. The prominent article , titled 'Internet brings tunnel vision to city heritage', gave a good summary of what the tunnels are and why they are there and briefly described this web site (although, again, the web address wasn't printed correctly!). Mention was clearly made of the fact that the tunnel entrances would be flattened if the property development went ahead. Thanks to those who contacted us after reading the item.

· Mention on Teletext

Granada Television's Teletext ran a brief story on us on Thursday 2nd January. The page highlighted the fact that 'an Internet site' had been set up to provide information on the campaign to protect the tunnels. The site's web address wasn't given (!) but a good number of enthuiasts managed to find us and we thank you all for your messages.

· Feature in the 'Liverpool Echo'

Merseyside residents will have seen an article about our society in the Liverpool Echo on Thursday 19th December. This was a surprise but reflects the huge interest which has sprung up around our society. The address of this web page was mistyped, so a pat on the back to the many people who still managed to find us!. It was pleasing to see the question of the tunnels' future put on the public agenda and the point being made that there are two points of view on their future. This should lead to healthy debate, which we wholeheartedly support and in which we intend to participate.