Church priorities

4:13pm Tuesday 10th July 2001

With reference to the letter 'Greedy Developer' (Times Letters, June 28) I am writing on behalf of the congregation of St Mark's Church in an attempt to put a positive side to the extremely negative publicity we have had so far in the local press.

Those who know and use the church are aware that the present buildings are totally inadequate for the needs of the community.

The proposed extension to the east side will include a new hall for the use of community groups, Scout groups and mothers and toddler groups, together with a much needed new venture a lunch club for the elderly and people living on their own.

None of these groups are currently served in the present buildings. The only reason we are proposing our modest housing development is in order to finance the new extension.

It would be impossible for the parish alone to finance it, since every parish in the Church of England today has to be self-financing.

I am sure the whole community would benefit from a much needed community centre in this area. Failure to proceed would mean the present three buildings will continue to deteriorate.

Vicar Colin Gay

St Mark's Church

Potters Road, Barnet

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