I had not heard anything previously concerning the proposed axing of the positions of the Fine Art and Applied Art curators at the City Art Gallery and Museum, so I am indebted to Ms Parveen Singh Digpal for her erudite letter in the Post ("Cutting curators is not in the interests of city's art", April 18).

What sort of a game are the people in charge there and their departmental head playing with the heritage of our city?

This is a very serious matter for the future development of the art gallery.

Without dedicated and knowledgeable curators who can know and properly manage their collections for the benefit of the public, the gallery can never fulfil its potential.

What a tragedy for the city that the decision makers up there cannot appreciate that.

Unfortunately nowadays I hear that various local authorities are of the opinion that being a curator means that one can "curate" more than one subject.

In the real world would one call an expert in electrics if one had a leaking pipe?

I too have heard of the problems that the setting up of the new Museum of Bristol has been causing and how it has swallowed resources like an open drain over the last few years, but I had no idea that the situation had grown so desperate that it was now endangering the curatorial staff and the very useful existence of the City Art Gallery.

Is it not also appalling that the South West Archaeology department, one of the major collections in the field, has been closed now for well over a year, and when (and if) it does reopen, I hear it is to be "dumbed down" to consist of a few key objects rather than a well-stocked comparative survey of the region's archaeology?

Ultra modern art certainly has a great and interesting place in contemporary life, but this is already catered for both in the art gallery's collections and in visiting exhibitions. Bristol is vibrant with galleries where it can be experienced. I agree it would be a dis-service to Bristolians to turn this major provincial collection in the direction of the Arnolfini notwithstanding the personal prejudices of those in charge of the Art Gallery at the moment. Hopefully the city's councillors will give their curators the support they need at this trying time.

Bill Bates, by email.