SAVE has estimated that there are over 10,000 empty and decaying listed buildings in the UK which could be restored to beneficial use. As SAVE has repeatedly pointed out, the first task is to stop the rot. Every listed building, Grades I and II* in particular, must have a roof capable of keeping the water out. Much poorer countries than Britain - notably the Czech Republic - have instituted programmes to put temporary roofs on building. It may simply be a set of tarpaulins or a corrugated metal hat, but once the roof is sound - and the vandals barred from entry - a building can survive a succession of bad winters. Using existing urgent works powers, we must do the same