I WOULD be sorry to appear - from the report of Ledbury Town Council's annual meeting (Ledbury Reporter, April 26) - to be against access by disabled people to the old Market House, especially for the most exciting events such as town council meetings or other public functions.

After being on a zimmer with wheels or on two sticks or one since early last year, I should at least be sympathetic. Continued or even increased use of the Market House is obviously preferable to its becoming an empty shell with no life.

My only point in question time was to ask for the exact wording of the new law requiring disabled access by 2004, and the possible exemption on grounds of unfeasibility in the case of certain ancient buildings, as earlier reported, from an addition such as the glass-covered lift currently proposed.

The terms of the new law need to be known before the open debate is reached upon alterations to this building belonging to the town.

In spite of a full and courteous reply, the precise words are still not clear; though after the meeting I was told that such exemption could only be tested through a court case. However, a letter from the council later stated: "Any feasible suggestions will be consulted upon".

It seems alternative ideas, other than a highly vulnerable glass lift, would be welcome.

Well, a town like Ledbury must have many technically talented people - perhaps once proficient Scouts or Guides - who could devise and design something suitable to safely, comfortably and happily convey disabled persons up and down that easy staircase.

The law's requirement could readily be met in a manner that would be far more enjoyable than being enclosed in a glass lift at which some might throw stones, and where we might easily feel like a sardine or a goldfish.

Why not have an official competition, which could well produce a winner?

THE REV. MICHALE R WARD, Victoria Road, Ledbury.