I THANK David Way for his courteous comments. He says he would never challenge me on facts, yet that is precisely what he does.

I accept the broad historicity of the Eoves' story, i.e. a brain-washed, ignorant peasant had a vivid dream of 'the Virgin', which much impressed the Benedictines, through cynicism or a shared belief in the same delusion, to commemorate 'the Vision' by founding the Abbey, and honouring Eoves by re-naming the little settlement after him.

The issue is, however, one of truth-values. The evangelists were not logicians and themselves disproved the Virgin myth. It was not accepted therefore by Protestants after the Reformation and remains a religiously divisive issue.

That is why it would be profoundly mistaken to advertise Eoves' delusion.

There is a danger that Evesham will become a laughing-stock: that little town in Worcestershire inhabited by morons! This is not a reputation Evesham wants or deserves.

The 'Vale' should think again about wasting its money, but if it persists the District Council should not agree to the statue being displayed, if at all, in a prominent position such as the Market Square

David Way considers my views irrelevant, which is to elevate falsehood over truth. Is this what he wants?

DENNIS FALVEY, Hampton Manor, Evesham.