Those of us who recall the austere beauty of the Cathedral Close only 40 years ago will feel little sympathy with Patricia Smith, speaking on behalf of today’s Residents’ Association, when she criticises the reduction in the number of constables on the grounds that “people here pay more for their houses” (Salisbury Journal, July 29).

They certainly do, and as your property pages show, they get millions more for them when they do them up and sell them.

As for the residents’ fear of “the thousands of drunks and drug addicts out there”, surely this is a touch hysterical in the circumstances? Presumably the gates will still be locked every night and the walls left intact even in today’s hard times.

Perhaps the inhabitants of ‘Planet Close’ could make more of an effort “to see themselves as others see them”, next time they feel hard done by.

David Blake, Salisbury

Following the public meeting on July 27 an impression is abroad that all the residents of The Close are in uproar over changes having to be made to balance the books of the cathedral.

As a resident of The Close and a volunteer at the cathedral, I would say that we indeed share the concerns of some cathedral staff over their future.

Less widely recognised is the fact that the first rate team in charge at the cathedral is wholly dedicated to the service of God and his word, and this includes control of the continuing financial deficit.

At the service of Evensong, which preceded the meeting, the set bible reading told us: “Fools show their anger at once, but the wise listen to advice. Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Neither fools nor wise we may always be, but we do well to listen to the wisdom of the Book of Proverbs.

ARTHUR HARRIS, The Close, Salisbury

The Close Constables are to get the chop and all some Close residents can think about is a possible increase in insurance premiums and the prospect of a few unfortunate souls getting under their privileged feet.

A cathedral spokesman speaks of the “core purpose of worship, liturgy and music”, of concern for the future of the constables and their families not a word, from either quarter.

I jettisoned religion in my early teens, but I do recall from Sunday school days frequent mention of “Christian charity”.

Whatever happened to that? Viva hypocrisy.

Bill Chettleburgh, Salisbury