SIR – I visited Cliffe Castle after it had been closed quite some time during refurbishment. It had very sparse entertainment value, but we were promised this was being attended to and would be improved shortly.

Since then I hope these matters have been pursued with a marked improvement in attendance readily apparent.

Unfortunately, the castle management seem reluctant to allow the catering lady to be in attendance to take advantage of a “perk” she is surely entitled to after enduring a “lean year” during which the cafe apparently was just “ticking over” (T&A, October 2).

The decision to ask the catering lady to vacate the cafe is really no surprise. It requires little thought to come to the view that during the refurbishment, the authorities would be well aware that the cafe was a loss-making facility and were fortunate not to have to sustain it themselves.

Of all the people concerned, the one to sustain the worst of the situation is the catering lady who, were there divine providence in such affairs, should by her loyalty to the castle have the biggest portion of the cake. I trust someone might take enough interest in her future as to ensure her a decent income from some enjoyable activity.

K J Clayton, Woodside Court, Eaglescliffe Drive, Woodside