HAVING been born and bred in Upware, married to a Soham man and now living in Wicken, some people cannot comprehend why the possible development of the church hall site in Soham should be any of my business. The fact that my husband s family, like many o

HAVING been born and bred in Upware, married to a Soham man and now living in Wicken, some people cannot comprehend why the possible development of the church hall site in Soham should be any of my business.

The fact that my husband's family, like many other locals, earnestly contributed to erect the hall is beside the point.

The point being, that I care, and it shouldn't matter if I live on Mars. It is far more exhilarating than sitting on the fence. It certainly never deterred Jesus setting foot out of Nazareth and what better example?

Can I honestly sit comfortably in my pew when every bone in my body tells me how narrow-minded the church are to take this action?

Undoubtedly, there is more at stake than just a hall to save - there is an increasing population to provide for; local business to promote and assist, and more importantly - a community spirit to feed, which is the hub of any wheel and the lack of which we can see the effects of daily.

I believe the church needs supplementary systems, a network of smaller vessels such as this to survive.

Undeniably the church roof is an agenda that certainly needs immediate attention. I am sure, however, that some 10 years ago this was also an issue and that preparation for its repair must have been considered then.

No-one would deny essential monies for such a cause, but perhaps £300,000 for an indiscreet toilet and kitchen sink warrants further quotes.

I would also suggest that the Parochial Church Council appeals to the Bishop of Ely, rather than jeopardise local community spiritual and general welfare by continuing with this stance.

The Parochial Church Council has calculated that there are 17 alternative venues for a community hall, but these are poor substitutes with inadequate parking facilities.

The question on most people's lips is why the hall was allowed to get into such a state of disrepair having had such a bountiful history.

Fund-raising for this worthy cause could have been an option and a lick of paint wouldn't have gone amiss.

All is not lost.

Soham does have a future which is worth fighting for and if people share this faith along with a strong sense of community spirit aroused, as in the early 1990s against strong odds when plans for the hall were initiated - I believe miracles can happen.

ELIZABETH JUGG

High Street

Soham