THE self-appointed judges of architectural merit at York Civic Trust have a reputation for unfair subjective criticism, but their latest scathing attack on revised plans for the old fire station really is deplorable (The Press, April 25).

I am reminded of the quotation: “Critics are like eunuchs in a harem; they know how it’s done, they’ve seen it done every day, but they’re unable to do it themselves.”

The latest designs for Clifford Street are competent and professional.

They have been well-thought out to respect the traditional street scene and are entirely appropriate in terms of scale, massing and materials.

If I was the architect I would be proud of that design and offended by unwarranted condemnation from faceless critics hiding behind the body corporate of York Civic Trust.

Those few individuals whose opinions are expressed as the Civic Trust representation should identify themselves and let us all see what they think a building on that site should look like.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayors Walk, York