THOUGH I realise I was wrong in commenting about the ownership of the old council buildings, I was under the impression that the council has some influence of planning permission for premises; I apologise for this (Letters, February 11).

I have also been under the misconception that the council has some some control of how the buidings in York look; again, please accept my apologies.

I do hope that the council spend the £17 million saved over the next 25 years wisely and continue to improve our city. The ‘improvements’ to King’s Square are a slightly worrying start.

Sue Linfoot, Acaster Lane, Bishopthorpe, York.