Your article about the decline of the Church of England said St Peter's, Brighton's parish church, is likely to cease being used for the purpose it was built (The Argus, April 5).

The Archdeacon of Chichester, Father Douglas McKittrick, was quoted as saying the building can be used in a much wider way than at present and the church mission is much bigger than the building.

Regrettably, this has been taken to mean the church could become anything from a market hall to a community centre.

A week later, the funeral service for Admiral Sir Lindsay Bryson, was held at St Peter's and led by none other than Father McKittrick.

The church was almost full for this service, with many dignitaries attending, including the city's mayor and three MPs.

Where else for miles is there such an imposing, free-standing church building, which is seen by thousands of tourists passing by on the main route into the city?

Its clock tower contains a peal of eight bells above three entrances and there is plenty of space - inside for a congregation of 1,200 and outside for the essential ceremonial transport.

As with most churches, it has monuments, such as windows and pillars, both as part of the structure and individual items such as the font, choir stalls and plaques.

One of the most important recent additions is the book of remembrance. This contains the names of all the town's residents, both service personnel and civilians, who lost their lives during the Second World War.

This is contained within an oak display cabinet, the inside of which appears to be in a neglected state.

A plaque at the town's First World War memorial in the Old Steine refers to the remembrance book at the parish church, a cheaper option than an addition in bronze or stone to the main war memorial which would have enabled all the names to be viewed at any time.

As regards finance, surely funds could be directed from the sale of buildings and land of the lesser churches on the list of closures to make St Peter's more viable.

The memorials and artefacts in those churches should be rededicated in St Peter's and tourists could be encouraged to view them.

The facility for private or public events need not be limited to weddings, funerals and National days.

There could be frequent musical and choral concerts, with the seating improved to encourage attendance.

Let us have the bells ringing again to herald these events and a successful revival of our parish church.

Ken Chambers

-Whippingham Road, Brighton