Madam,

Next week my family and I will make one of our regular trips to Aberystwyth – it is our home town, although we currently live in North Yorkshire.

We keep up to date with all Aber news and therefore I was devastated to read the article last week about the current plight of St Winefride’s.

As a past worshipper at the church, as were my family for generations before me, I have been following this situation with increasing dismay.

Leaving aside its religious significance, this is surely one of the iconic Aberystwyth buildings, in the heart of the town, which reflects the pride and ambitions of a previous generation who did so much to build the Aberystwyth we recognize and enjoy today.

Quite simply it is part of the townscape, fitting and appropriate in its situation. What can replace it?

Surely it is unthinkable to consider demolition of this example of Victorian religious and civic aspiration? I know that there is a group of dedicated parishioners who have fought tirelessly to preserve what they rightly see as their church. Perhaps now it is time for other groups who, whilst lacking the religious connection to St Winefride’s, could lend their voices to the campaign, in the spirit of civic pride in their town, its buildings and what they tell us about people who have lived here in the past.

I often read posts on social media and elsewhere, regretting the destruction of well-loved Aberystwyth places in the name of progress, (the King’s Hall is often mentioned, for example).

I would love to think that progress in this instance would mean people from all walks of life offering their support and helping to preserve this small corner of Victorian Aberystwyth - let’s continue to highlight St Winefride’s plight.

Yours etc,

Susan Pierce (nee Evans), Laurel Road, Saltburn-by-the-Sea.