MADAM, I am writing as a member of the Hatton family who has been watching sadly as the council has condoned the progressive deterioration in the condition of Churchill House as well as the closure of the Brian Hatton Gallery to the public.

Despite the activities of the excellent 'Campaign to Save Churchill House' committee and complaints from members of the Hatton family, I feel the council has neglected its duties to the people of Hereford, the visitors and the culture of the city.

I suppose we should feel some sympathy towards Councillor Kimbery; he has been the unfortunate spokesman for the council and has tried to defend its actions, but I, for one, certainly do not.

He has not done his reputation any favours over these matters.

I am delighted to see, at last, the Charities Commission has focused on the facts surrounding the closure of the galleries within Churchill House and the failure of the council to put the articles back on display as they said they would .

I do hope they will carry through their initial findings and insist the museum is reopened to the public and in some way the people of Hereford are compensated for the loss of the gallery and the money that was put in to it by the late Marjorie Hatton for the continuous display of Brian's work to the public; perhaps a portion of the rent being received from letting of the House to the College of Art would be appropriate.

I trust the determination of the members of the Steering Committee to Save the Churchill will continue to serve the people of Hereford and preserve their heritage in the long term; in the short term, I would like to think that the council will honour its commitments to bring the displays back in to public view until a more permanent location can be found.

JOHN HATTON,

Copthall Corner, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire.