I was concerned to see by your misleading headline that the future of Vestry Hall is under threat and the even more misleading letter from Maureen Willett, the former building manager, claiming the public hall is to be closed this year.

Merton Voluntary Service Council received over 20 calls from individuals and groups, worried that this valuable community building was being closed.

The feasibility of converting the public hall to offices was just one of a number of suggestions made to the council by building users to maximise use of the facilities and generate additional income. If the council agrees the suggestion is worth exploring, be assured there would be extensive consultation.

Your photograph of a councillor wearing a slashed shirt to represent cuts to the voluntary sector was also misleading.

Merton is the only council nationally to have received two gold commendations from Government for its partnership work with the sector and as part of its commitment is one of the few councils which have made every effort to protect the grants budget year on year.

CHRISTINE FROST Chief Executive Merton Voluntary Service Council Vestry Hall, Mitcham