I WAS surprised to read of the criticism of the new lighting at Malmesbury Abbey as "crass" and "amateur" by a representative of the Landscape Institute.

Like many other residents, I was delighted when the plans to reinstate the floodlighting and to put lights along the path were announced, and when the cost was announced as more than £37,000 I knew it going to be a scheme worthy of the lovely old abbey.

It must be obvious to everyone that these proposals had to be put together by specialists and approved by all the various authorities in the church and, of course, English Heritage.

It seems a pity that the critic, who apparently lives locally, did not say something about the "insensitivity" of the design when the plans were on public display in the abbey.

The designs were on show for about two months while people were being asked to contribute towards this very large sum.

I feel the workmen who have buried the electrical cables and replaced the turf in the churchyard should be congratulated for the care they have taken, it is hard to see where they have had to dig their trenches.

Finally, may I say how much I look forward to seeing the abbey all lit up again, especially as I see the north face has been included in the illuminations.

DEREK TILNEY

Parklands

Malmesbury