AS a resident of Stoke Heath, I am both appalled and angered at the attitude of the vicar of St Michael's, in saying that Stoke Heath residents cannot use his church for christenings, weddings or funerals.

We were led to believe that by merging Stoke Heath and Stoke Prior we would be classed as the new ward of Stoke and therefore have equal rights. If not, then what is the point? Isn't it bad enough that on top of the already extortionate Council Tax bill imposed on us by Bromsgrove District Council we now have to pay an extra tax to be part of a parish where the church can't even welcome us, even though a proportion of our money goes into the running of it?.

If the vicar doesn't want Stoke Heath residents to be a part of his church, then perhaps our money could be refunded and I will gladly give it to St John's Church where I was married 18 months ago. The reception we received there was friendly, warm and what it should be ... Christian-like.

Angry Resident

Stoke Heath