At the same time it is described as decaying, crumbling, looking tattered and having a major pigeon infestation.

And given that the old Dubbo Post Office with its distinctive clock tower is in the main thoroughfare in the city’s Central Business District that is not a good look.

The two-storey building is owned by Telstra and has been vacant since the Telstra shop closed in 2010.

Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) Mayor Ben Shields has written to Telstra expressing concerns over the upkeep of the city’s “most iconic building and grandiose clock tower”.

Mr Shields has taken the issue straight to the top – Telstra’s chief executive Andrew Penn.

“It is with great regret that the beautiful tower is in full decay,” Cr Shields said in his letter.

“Putting it in simple terms, this is not a matter of needing a simple clean – this is a matter where the building is starting to literally crumble and wear, has a major pigeon infestation and looks tattered.”

He said the state of the building has long been a talking point and residents, businesses and the DRC want to see it “properly maintained” and returned to being a functioning, valuable asset for the CBD.

Certainly residents want the building restored to its former glory, according to social media comments.

It will be interesting to see how Telstra reacts and whether it is prepared to commit funds to a repair job.

There can be no doubt that the telecommunications giant should do so. A restored building could even attract rent-paying tenants rather than roosting birds and their residual mess.

Macquarie Street is expected to become home to impressive new development projects including inner-city apartment living in coming years. These will benefit residents and be a draw for visitors and tourists.

Shiny and new is one thing. But, a city should always hold onto its history. Old buildings are a part of our past that we can still see, touch and connect with.

They are, if properly maintained, elegant landmarks linking the community to past generations and to the story of our city.

If they are iconic, grandiose and beautiful they should not be allowed to decay. Once gone, such treasures are lost forever.

Here’s hoping that Telstra will soon return the community’s calls with good news.