I READ THAT the university registrar believes students struggle to cross the road to buy a loaf of bread (The Press, February 12) and our MP supports the proposals to build additional facilities.

I’m surprised. There is an active parade of shops on Badger Hill, including a pharmacy, general store, an excellent butchers and a bakery (they sell loaves of bread). All of these do not involve crossing a dual carriageway and are in walking distance, as is the nearby doctors, served by a pedestrian crossing.

This scheme concretes yet more green space, was not within the university’s original plan and fails to take account of existing services, let alone planned ones. In case no ones noticed Sainsbury is also ‘coming’.

The university community should support local services that serve residents all year round, not encourage what is convenient simply when the students are in town.

Instead of building on what was green belt, perhaps the university should simply teach the Green Cross Code to help its residents find and support the local facilities.

This proposal should be rejected.

Nigel Bartle, Canham Grove, Osbaldwick, York.