In response to WF Galley (Church anger, Letters, March 19), St Michael le Belfrey Church has had responsibility for St Cuthbert’s Church on Peasholme Green since the amalgamation of the parishes of St Cuthbert and St Michael le Belfrey in the early 1970s.

The alterations which Mr Galley refers to were carried out in 1981 and have not been substantially altered since. An internal structure was put up to house much-needed office space. The parochial church council (PCC) obtained all the necessary permissions and the project won an architectural award. Since then the PCC has continued to care for St Cuthbert’s, most recently spending about £80,000 on re-roofing, redecorating and re-carpeting the church.

The building is still used every week for Christian worship and as a base for Chrisian youth ministry. We share Mr Galley’s desire to see the building restored to its full intended use - a focal point for Christian worship. Pioneering mission work was, of course, characteristic of David Watson, who supported and approved the alterations to the church before his move to London, and whose life was celebrated at St Michael’s services on February 22.

The proposals for the trees in the graveyard follow advice received from independent tree consultants and City of York Council. The mature chestnut tree is diseased, but has recently been pruned to try and save it for as long as possible. There are no immediate plans for its removal. The lime trees have many structural defects, cavities and potential areas of display and have a finite life - which they have reached the end of. They are a potential danger to users of the graveyard and members of the public and need to be removed. It is the intention of the PCC to replant some trees over the next two to three years and it is seeking advice as to the best varieties to plant.

Mark Rance
Head of operations, St Michael le Belfrey Church, The Parish Centre, Minster Yard, York.