A CONTROVERSIAL decision by High Wycombe library to ban religious material from its notice board has been met with a mixture of amazement and incredulity.

The story broke in our sister paper the Free Press, which revealed the library would not allow an advert for a carol service at All Saints Church, in Castle Street, to be displayed because it was too religious.

One vicar in High Wycombe, who asked not to be named, said: "It was a poor decision to ban it. Their decision is based on a philosophy a philosophy of equality.

"Why is that any different to putting up an advert for a jumble sale? Why shouldn't you be able to advertise carol services.

"Religion is slightly different from politics. It is not based on power and manipulation whereas politics is."

Wycombe MP Paul Goodman said: "If you are holding a concert, you can advertise in the library. If you're holding a Christmas carol concert, you can't advertise. I wonder what would happen if you organised a concert of Christmas music that wasn't a carol service."

Ex-mayor Jim Tanner said: "I am surprised. I would have thought that they would be encouraging that sort of thing. I thought the library was impartial. I go in there quite a bit and the staff seem friendly.

"I wouldn't have thought they were the type to do that."

Resources development librarian Mark Bryant said: "It's nothing new. We've always had a rule that we don't put up notices of a religious or political nature.

"What we don't specifically advertise is religious services.

"It's a bit of a sensitive area. A straightforward Christmas concert wouldn't be a problem. Any religion could have a musical event that was related to that time of year. We have to draw the line somewhere."

The carol service will be held on December 21 at 6.30pm.