Bearing in mind the unique pastoral location of Kenilworth Castle which sets off its aspect as a ruin, one sees any modernised tinkering with gates, bolts and bars, and technical, up-to-date equipment, as being retrograde or unnecessary, perhaps just a cap-feather fillip to some bureaucratic accountancy?

To penetrate a deep-rooted, concrete-cased inner soul shared by those faceless Quango-types operating as 'English Heritage' will need a powerful 'local-voice' laser beam item of outraged public opinion, and we ordinary persons will be hard-put to face down the arm of authority that first mooted these obnoxious proposals.

As one views the castle's importance over many centuries with benevolent, neglectful or indifferent landlords in charge helping the place survive (and be of benefit to the town and townpersons alike) it appears that the present 'keepers of the keys' fall very short of obtaining lasting favour with future historians.

During my lifetime, much pleasure there has been in freely wandering over Echo Meadows, Motte and Bailey of the original site (behind the Brays) plus ability and urge to photograph, or eye, any of a quantity of magnificent uninterrupted scenery, none of which aim to bear resemblance to the restrictions of say, Winson Green or any other prison-type enclosure.

Our great-grandchildren and their offspring, yet to be, ought to be guaranteed unrestricted access to a treasure which was bequeathed to this town along with the nation by Sir John Siddeley on his creation as Baron Kenilworth.

English Heritage: vacate for a wee-while your cosy ivory tower: descend to local level, amend your proposals and so avoid a backlash of hatred that surely will overwhelm any wrong decision that can heap coals of fire on your heads.

l FROM: Robert Butler, Arden Road, Kenilworth.

I refer to your report headlined 'Residents to fight for their castle's future' (Weekly News, January 1).

Whilst I applaud Mrs Irene Potter's sentiments, her reference to our beautiful castle potentially looking like a "concentration camp" because of the erection of wire fencing is both senseless and insensitive. It does the cause no credit.

Perhaps she should reflect on the true meaning of her emotive exaggeration and choose a comparative description which is not mindlessly offensive.

l FROM: Mrs P. M.