The idea of the Jane Austen statue to be installed in Winchester Cathedral Close at a cost of £100,000 has filled me with dismay.

Currently, in the Cathedral, there are many obstacles that prevent disabled folk from accessing and using the Cathedral safely and comfortably.

One major example is that wheelchair users can only access the Presbytery and Choir for services by means of an antiquated chairlift, which most users hate and which has to be operated by volunteers on steep stone steps with no handrail.

I suggest that those involved in the commissioning of the £100,000 Jane Austen statue might like to re-consider their priorities.

Jean Matthews,

Canon Street,

Winchester

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