It has been brought to my attention by a member of St John's Church, in St John's Street, Winchester, that there is a feeling that it could close due to a lack of funds, ironically brought about by investing a considerable amount of its available funds into restoring the church.

This church is the oldest in the city boundary and dates back to the 13th century.

It has an inspired architectural value and historical furnishings, including rare and splendid wall paintings.

It would be absolutely heartbreaking to see this church close and consequently converted into flats or something akin, as happens quite often these days.

It has recently had to sell its church hall to prop up its funding, but even this has only gone so far.

ROBERT HODGKINSON, Winchester.