Thank you David Williams, leader of the council, for your reply to my letter, published on March 15.

I am pleased to hear that no final decision has yet been taken, regarding the proposed closure of the public hall in the Vestry Hall.

However, I have to express my deep concern that any discussions regarding the future use of the public hall by local people is taking place at all. Particularly, after the council's huge commitment of £200,000 in 2005 to meet an EU Directive, regarding access to public buildings and the council's clear commitment to keeping the hall open.

I am also at a loss to understand why your officers are having these initial discussions regarding the future of the public hall with the voluntary sector, rather than with the users and hires of the hall and with local people.

As the keeper of the covenant on the Vestry Hall, the council will be aware that the public hall has been a focal point of community life since 1887 and should remain so.

It is to the credit to the foresight of the administration in 1988, and to subsequent administrations, that the Vestry Hall has provided a holistic approach to local peoples lives.

The activities and classes have aided and assisted local peoples well-being.While the valuable work that is administered by the voluntary sector from the offices in the building, provide a fast, professional, low costi, services to the community.

These two sections working side by side, make a community building in every sense. The resident groups, provide a first class services to local people. They also bring in a huge amount of money to Merton to fund these services, free to residents at the point of delivery.

One would hope that this valuable asset will not be lost on your administration and hard won charitable grants awarded to them will not be swallowed up on huge rents and service charge increases paid to the council instead.

Celebrate and value the unique services that Vestry Hall provide, not everything in life can be measured on a balance sheet.

MAUREEN WILLETT Centre manager Vestry Hall 1988-2006