THE Press recently reported Cllr Johnny Hayes’ appeal for contributions towards the costs of his personal application for a judicial review of the council’s decision on the Clifford’s Tower visitor centre had resulted in almost £5,000 being pledged by the public.

This is very worrying.

Anyone who takes the trouble to check the minutes of the planning meeting on October 17, when the approval was granted, should surely be in no doubt that the information provided was accurate and objective, reflecting views both for and against the project.

Moreover, section four of the English Heritage planning statement submitted in support of its application explains in detail the extent to which English Heritage undertook its public consultation and community involvement obligations, showing how the design was modified over time to meet some of the criticisms.

We would suggest that, having weighed up the evidence, the planning committee followed the current procedures and came to the right decision.

We cannot imagine that an appeal for a judicial review could possibly succeed. Whether one likes the scheme or not is beside the point.

Why cannot Cllr Hayes see that not only is he likely to delay the project, with the risk of English Heritage funding being withdrawn, but possibly involve the council in legal costs?

We urge him to withdraw his application. It would certainly be in everyone’s interest, including his own, if he did.

Philip Crowe, Chair, York Tomorrow, Clifton, York