I sympathise with Mrs Shepherd and her comments on the "suggested" admission fees recently imposed by York Minster. I have been a York resident for many years and regard the cathedral as an intimate part of the city's life and fabric.

I have often entered the Minster for contemplation and spiritual renewal, to pray, and, when the occasion demands, to light a candle.

Am I really expected to pay £3.50 each time I do this in the future?

It is no use the Minster authorities maintaining that this fee is voluntary, given that their present collection arrangements are designed to be intimidating to a degree wholly inappropriate to a place of worship.

This move seems to be yet another step in divorcing the church from the people it is supposed to serve.

James Elliot,

Lime Avenue,

York.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, September 06, 2002