AS a Christian, though not a regular churchgoer, I regret the threat of closure facing some of York's churches.

Congregations are getting older and smaller, and this is unlikely to change in our materially-minded society.

Another reason to feel distress about this matter is the effect it would have on the dedicated bands of bell-ringers who regularly practise this traditional art and help celebrate events such as weddings or christenings.

Most churches have bell-towers, each with its own small group of ringers. As a fairly new member of our local church ringers, I know there would be many sad people around if the bells were silenced for ever.

I would be truly sorry if our church was so affected, and am grateful that it is well cared for and reasonably well attended. When I saw Dr Robert Richard's sad face in the Press (September 26), and realised how hard he and many other Yorkies will take such closures, I felt compelled to express my fervent hope that York's precious old churches are granted a reprieve even if they must have fewer clerics to administer them.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:27 Tuesday, October 01, 2002