Marcus Langdon, a British-born Australian author and historian who has made Penang his home for about seven years ago, is disappointed that nothing could be done to preserve the cluster of heritage buildings surrounding the iconic Runnymede Hotel and which were demolished on Tuesday.

Langdon, 63, told reporters after attending a press conference with state executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow that what was more disappointing was that 'the demolition was legal .'