The Oxford Mail published today a letter to the editor from Mark Pyper, a distinguished Oxford resident and customer of the Vaults. Mr Pyper is a former headmaster of Gordonstoun School, where our King was educated.

"I write with horror, matched only by my despair, on learning that the Vicar and Church Council of the University Church of St Mary are expelling with virtually no notice the current tenants of the Vaults cafe, which has provided a wonderful service for 20 years to its clients, both Oxford residents and visitors, many of whom are thereby drawn to visit the church itself.

Leaving aside all arguments (some of them powerfully cogent) in favour of retaining the current arrangements, based on economics, employment, local provision and service to the public, we learn that the church is proposing to spend £750,000 on modernising and refurbishing an amenity which many would feel needs only minor modification in any case.

A core belief of the Christian faith is supporting the poor and those in need. Many of us who are churchgoers look upon this as a cornerstone of what religion should be about, try often unsuccessfully to live accordingly and look to the church for an example. 

We would all have constructive and creative ideas about how three quarters of a million pounds could effectively be spent in pursuance of that mission and greedily snatching a valued local amenity, for whatever purpose, would certainly not feature on the list."

We are very grateful to Mr Pyper for his very poignant letter which reflects we are sure the feelings of many supporters. Please share his thoughts with your colleagues and friends by email and on social media, including facebook, instagram, whatsapp and twitter.

team@savethevaults.com