REFERRING to Freddie Whittaker’s report (Grave concerns, November 29). Plans for a gigantic extension, the full length of the north side of Holy Trinity Church, Headington Quarry, were bound to attract large opposition (no matter how pressing the need for more space), particularly when desecration of graves in consecrated ground was involved, with many relatives of those interred alive and caring. The Oxford Mail’s ‘knack’ of unbiased reporting is welcome, although a few salient points were missed, probably due to lack of space.

At Tuesday’s evening meeting (November 27) it was obvious no other secondary plans were available. A lady voiced concerns. Her grandchildren’s graves, although not buried under tons of concrete (like some) would be affected by ongoing building work (construction workers are not known for their sensitive nature). As reported, if CS Lewis’s grave was in the affected area, this plan would not have materialised.

It was admitted the plan was divisive among church members, it was said ‘some in opposition have left and probably will never return’. Vicar Tim Stead, and his parochial council, are now to consider whether to pursue any extension plans at all.

I hope he and his council intend to take note of the consensus of opinion from the local and wider community in opposition, who have a vested interest in what happens at Holy Trinity, especially the consecrated churchyard area, then start to rebuild community relations that have suffered badly over this ill-thought-out scheme engineered by ‘the few’.

ALAN KERRY, Newman Road, Littlemore, Oxford