JON Sparks' photographic view of Lancaster Priory in the official 2004 Lancaster city calendar may be an unfortunate reminder by December of what has been lost if the Priory's proposed car park goes ahead.

If the Priory proceeds with its plans to build a car park on the site, the photo will be out-of-date by the time we turn the page in December 2004.

Rather than celebrating the current wonder and beauty of Lancaster and its environs the calendar may, in the next few months, turn out to be a look back in time at what we've lost from a prime beauty spots.

It will not just put the calendar photo out of date but many other shots too - and they won't be easily replaced because the foreground will be ruined, says photographer Jon Sparks.

Yet this doesn't need to be the case. Planning permission has been granted but there has been overwhelming opposition to the car park from visitors and local residents, including many parishioners. The Priory need not go ahead with its plans.

We urge the Priory to reconsider its plans and give serious thought to alternative arrangements on the few occasions that additional parking spaces are deemed to be required.

Anyone concerned about the plans for a car park is encouraged to contact the Priory directly or see www.eco-action.org/lancaster/grassroot/ for further information.

Kathryn Fahy, Grassroots Lancaster.