ONCE again the struggle over the proposed visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower has reached the courts (The Press, October 13).

What I cannot understand is why no negotiated compromises can be reached these days without calling in the lawyers.

Personally I don’t like the design or location proposed for the new building, but I do agree they should have one somewhere else.

English Heritage are at least trying to encourage interest in a piece of our history but in my experience they know nothing of how to negotiate or compromise with other organisations.

If a mock Elizabethan theatre can be set up in the car park next door, why can’t they do something similar on a permanent basis for the tower?

On a recent trip to Sandal Castle I was appalled to see the way the local council (Labour-controlled naturally) has allowed the site to fall into ruin.

The only remaining marker of the important battle of Wakefield has been left resembling a small landfill site.

Access to the modern walkways is closed off because of safety, grass is overgrown and full of litter, information boards are damaged or stolen and the visitor centre sold off and turned into a cafe.

We can at least take some pride that in York we do care about protecting our heritage. Let’s just hope in the end both sides agree to get it right.

Dr Scott Marmion, Woodthorpe, York