AS Rector of Holy Trinity, Micklegate (which is also responsible for St Martin cum Gregory), and also as the Archdeacon of York, I write to comment on Mr von Bertele's letter about the closure for charity sales of St Martin's Church (March 12).

There has been no act of worship in St Martin's church for more than 34 years. It has never formally been declared redundant from church use.

Apart from occasional charity sales, the building has been unofficially closed and looks abandoned - it is indeed a sorry sight.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has now been advised against allowing continued use of St Martin's because of the condition of the wiring.

The PCC decided to begin the legal process of declaring St Martin's redundant for church use. This will ratify the unofficial situation and relieve the parish of responsibility for this Grade 1 listed building.

The redundancy process requires the Church Commissioners to be satisfied that a suitable alternative use will be found for the building. We hope to find a permanent new purpose, allowing more extensive use than the worthwhile, but occasional, charity sales.

This should mean St Martin's being open daily to the public, allowing them to see inside of the building, particularly the fine stained glass windows.

After formal redundancy and a decision on its future use, St Martin's will be professionally re-wired and re-lit.

I am deeply sorry that the charities who have used St Martin's will suffer, and indeed I am glad that it has been of service to them during the years since its own services ended. I hope they, and all of us, will support a new future for this building so it can be appreciated by as many people as possible.

The Venerable Richard Seed,

Rector of Holy Trinity, Micklegate, and Archdeacon of York.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, March 27, 2003