Frustration is growing over the loss of

a vital piece of the boroughs history while in the care of developers at the Charter Quay complex in Kingston town centre.

St George, which is building the long-awaited complex, was supposed to install the panel, made in 1912 and depicting the old Castle Inn, into Borders bookshop to offset a renovated seventeenth century, carved, wooden staircase.

This was a condition when planning permission was granted by Kingston Council to demolish the old Army and Navy building in 1998.

But St George told the council in

August that the glass was lost or stolen at some point between March and July of this year and would not be included in the new development.

A spokesman said: As soon as we were aware of the missing window we

informed the council and apologised.

Current discussions are taking place between St George, the council, Kingston Society and Kingston Museum for a

replacement.

She said the loss was not reported to the police because they could not be certain it was stolen.

They admitted that the window suffered some damage during a flood in November 2000 and had to be moved to another part of the basement within the development.

A council planning officer wrote to complain to St George in April, 1999, after the window was found propped up against a tree, sandwiched between two bits of plywood at which point the developer promised to move the window to a more suitable location.

Tony Leitch, chairman of the Kingston Society and a member of the conservation area advisory committee said: I think they have behaved very badly and we have no knowledge about what they are doing to find it and what proposals they have for its replacement.

In a brief statement, St George said it was considering a new display, which will represent the history of the Charter Quay site.

If you have seen the stained glass, or have any idea where it is, call the Comet on 020 8329 9348.

By.Tracy-Lee Driscoll