I WRITE with reference to Patricia Palaeologina’s letter (The Press, April 13) about Hob Moor.

Some years ago, while doing some research in the City Archives at the Art Gallery, I came across a document which stated that sometime in the 1800s Micklegate Stray, which includes Knavesmire and Hob Moor, was given to the citizens of York for recreational purposes.

Over many years these have included horse racing, golf, rugby, football and cricket. In fact, York and Pike Hills Golf Clubs originated from Micklegate Stray.

If this act has never been rescinded, the council should be unable to build houses on either site or turn Hob Moor into a flood plain without going through the motions of rescinding this act, bearing in mind that there are also public rights of way across both sites.

A P Cox, Heath Close, Holgate, York