MARTIN Valatin is mistaken in his dates for Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon (letters, July 21).

The spire at Holy Trinity was inspected in 1998 before the bells were re-hung and scaffolding put up round it. It was repaired three or four years later when the badly weathered capstone was replaced and the tower re-pointed.

Lime mortar, which is naturally slow setting, would have been used as it is the correct material for bonding limestone. You cannot blame trains for the long-term effects of wind and rain.

The visible lower portions of the tower at Holy Trinity date from the early 14th century and the tower appears to have been modified in the late 15th/early 16th centuries. The only part of the church dating from about1150 is the western portion of the chancel which is at the opposite end of the church to the tower.

Anne Willis BSc MA Sandy Leaze Bradford on Avon