I HAVE just finished reading a fascinating book, ‘The Suspicions of Mr Whicher’ by Kate Summerscale, which is an account of a real murder investigation in Frome, Somerset in the 1860s.

I was intrigued to discover that one of those involved was responsible for the design of a mosaic at St Peter’s Church, the Grove, Portland.

I happened to be over at Portland last weekend and attempted to visit this church, only to discover that it has been sold and that the property is padlocked up.

A local lady in the vicinity kindly told me that the owner does not allow any access.

Surely this building, which, apart from these mosaics by local prisoners, has the most beautiful stained glass windows and interesting architectural features, is part of our local heritage?

It seems a great shame to me that it is possible for the power of a cheque book to exclude us all from exploring our local history.

Shirley Dunne, Nottington, Weymouth.