As an Old Colefordian I was dismayed and disappointed to read the letter "Church Demolition" in last week's Review.

In addition to the architectural loss to the town that the author referred to, I would ask what does this say of the commitment not only of the Parochial Church Council but the townsfolk of Coleford? Let us consider the commitment and sacrifice of previous generations to build and maintain this fine building in times a lot harder than we can only imagine. Was this sacrifice all for nought?

Having myself attended a number of services, weddings and funerals at St John's, over the past five decades where, one could ask, is there a suitable venue of such stature and size in the local area able to host such an event?

The sadly  exposed slab of the demolished church perhaps? As current custodians it is time for all of us to step up to the "mark" and do what we can to save this building and its religious significance for the benefit of future generations and Colefordians to come.

– David Russell, Coleford.