TRAVELLING from Driffield to York via Stamford Bridge last Saturday and waiting in stationary traffic to cross the village bridge, I noted a sign displaying the word "voluntary" and 20 yards further on a second showing the word "toll".

I then saw what appeared to be an army of people with collecting boxes and was approached and asked to make a contribution to St John's church extension fund.

Being slightly confused, I reluctantly made a contribution but, on reflection, feel such a method of fundraising to be both unethical and opportunistic.

When vehicles are approached under the false impression of passing through a road toll and while stationary and vulnerable, cash raised in such a way cannot be termed voluntary and all this for a cause which, principally, is of local benefit.

I suggest that the people of mainly middle class Stamford Bridge raise funds for their local church's extension within their own community and not expect passing motorists, who are unfortunately gridlocked in the village, to contribute to a cause most will have no knowledge of or interest in whatsoever.

Martin Fowler,

Middlethorpe Grove, York.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, June 28, 2003