OVER the last couple of years I have noticed the closure of many family-orientated York businesses, some which have existed in the city for years.

The demise of these business, that were all successful, is a major concern because this is what makes York a unique and a special city.

The closure and knocking down of these places gets rid of community identity to be replaced by something that is dull and devoid of character.

So let us consider and comment on how we all want York to look in the future and build on what makes York in 2016.

Timothy Wynn Werninck, Acomb, York