THE Bolton Evening News for October 5 contains a piece on the forces confronting Lee Lane Methodist Church, Horwich.

A shrinking, ageing congregation is embattled against vandals -- godless youths who congregate outside.

The church's future looks bleak and there will be no campaign to save it for the nation.

This is a modest Edwardian building of small architectural merit but it is part of local distinctiveness. Horwich would be a duller place without it. Were this local heritage building to perish, the town would know less of itself.

It is time for the community to rally around. The church's stewards are doing their bit by reducing planting around the building.

How about people getting together to buy and fit a few lights beyond the reach of the long arm of the vandal?

In my experience most vandals are like vampires. Once light dawns, they disappear into their coffins.

Love this old building or lose it. How many people think Horwich would be a better place without it?

Ed Grimsdale

Acting chairman, ASHTAV (Association of Small Historic Towns and Villages)

Buckingham

UNDER ATTACK: Lee Lane Methodist Church, Horwich

P.I.R.