ON AUGUST 27, The Press published an article promoting a Liberal Democrat idea to bring back trams to York.

This included a plan to transform the existing railway between Leeds, Harrogate and York into a “Super Tram”. We are supposed to think this is wonderful because a former Lib Dem councillor visited Brest.

Christian Vassie wants York to build his fantasy using a loan from the EU, condemning future generations to perpetual debt coupled with a continuing reduction in basic services.

Mr Vassie was, as the article points, out an unsuccessful candidate in the European Elections in May, which were won by Ukip.

Trams of any sort are not a good idea for York or any other city. This is due to construction costs, the inevitable disruption to tram services when buried utilities have to be maintained, and the visual intrusion into our historic city of overhead wires.

The “battery” buses already in use point the way to the future. They are essential to maintaining air quality in the city centre and eliminate problems caused by diesel engines idling. Even better would be hybrid trolley buses, an idea already researched by the Greater London Authority.

These allow flexibility of operation around roadworks, through the city centre and in housing estates.

The bus re-charges its batteries while connected to overhead wires on main roads, avoiding delays.

Bernard Spears, Rosedale Avenue, Acomb, York.