OH dear, oh dear! What have they done to our lovely cathedral?

We have arguably the most beautiful Gothic West End of any cathedral in the world and they have tarted it up with fancy lighting.

It is great that modern techniques enable us to see the beauty of our buildings when otherwise they would be in darkness and it is wonderful, after a holiday away, to return to York and feel the welcome of our familiar walls and buildings and our jewel in the crown - the Minster.

It doesn't need anything adding to the craftsmanship and dedication of medieval builders or to the brilliance of modern craftsmen in the restoration of the West Doorway.

I stood and watched in horror as brilliant lighting effects changed from one colour to another and I wondered if, inside the building, I should be able to view the organist rise up from the crypt, seated on a psychedelic organ as he played for evening service?

And has "our" money helped to pay for this?

Wouldn't it be kinder to use the money to give us all vouchers to go to Blackpool?

Or to use the money for fun things in the right setting?

York is unique. By all means let us be modern and vibrant, but not by tarting up our heritage from the past.

Joan Rylatt,

Elmlands Grove,

York.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, November 02, 2005