FOLLOWING a recent article in your newspaper "Fear for Castle's Future," I would like to comment.

Firstly, Worcestershire County Council has been partially using Hartlebury Castle for our County Museum for many years.

The castle itself is owned by the Church Commissioners - the county council only uses a small part.

We were, six years ago, made aware that the then Bishop of Worcester was minded to vacate the castle and offered the county council sole use and the opportunity to purchase it in its entirety.

It came at a time when the new Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was coming in and we had to take a decision on whether to continue with our use and install DDA access or leave the site completely.

Following a detailed scrutiny, the cabinet decided to proceed with a £469,000 DDA capital investment including a replacement café. This work was agreed without giving any further commitment to the final ownership of the castle.

The county council's commitment since then has not changed.

Indeed our budgetary position has, if anything, weakened in the interceding years.

If the Church Commissioners chose to sell the current building we will have to review our current arrangements accordingly.

STEPHEN CLEE Worcestershire County Council cabinet member for corporate services.