THE former Dean of Winchester has launched a strong attack on the decision to suspend church services.

The Very Rev Trevor Beeson, 94, has criticised church leaders for bowing to Government pressure and brands their decision as a "betrayal."

Mr Beeson held the senior role at Winchester between between 1987 and 1996. He now lives in Romsey.

In a letter to The Times, he said: "I find it deeply disturbing that the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, yielding to government pressure, have suspended until further notice the offering of public worship in the Church of England. This is unprecedented and was not considered necessary even in the darkest days of our national history.

"In this situation, when almost every aspect of our country’s life has been thrown into turmoil, it is vital that the church’s leaders should be among those pointing out that spiritual, emotional and social factors are each of importance when promoting the health of a nation.

"Braver leaders will be needed if the church is to recover from this betrayal."