WELL done to Cllr Johnny Hayes for successfully defeating the proposed visitor centre for Clifford’s Tower (“Tower visitor centre scrapped”, The Press, June 7).

What a rare example he has set to all of us by committing his own money in defence of York’s local environment and heritage.

It was a daunting task to take on the resources of English Heritage, especially when they were being supported by the planning department of City of York Council, but he showed unwavering determination and courage throughout.

Thanks Johnny, you fought your battle for all of us. Huge gratitude and congratulations from your many supporters among the York public.

Philip Puckrin,

Jamieson Terrace, York

Only Johnny Hayes stood up for York

Congratulations to Cllr Johnny Hayes for his efforts in protecting the mound of Clifford’s Tower.

The plans put forward by English Heritage should always have been resisted and now we must ask why more public officials didn’t support the objectors?

The council as a whole should be ashamed of the way they failed to either object or offer alternative proposals.

York has only one serious trump card to play for attracting the tourists which keep our local economy running and that is its history and heritage, so it’s incredible that in the face of public opinion and common sense only one had the guts to stand up and challenge it to the end.

I doubt Cllr Hayes will ever get the money he invested into the legal battle back, but he can at least take consolation from the fact that he won the fight and has done York a great service, going above and beyond the call of duty.

In a fair world it would be selfless actions like his that are rewarded with an MBE. Well done sir.

Dr Scott Marmion, Woodthorpe, York

Time to fill potholes in city’s Castle car park

MAKE no mistake the Clifford’s Tower battle was a real David versus Goliath struggle and Cllr Johnny Hayes is to be applauded for his triumph.

Now that English Heritage have gone back to the drawing board, and bearing in mind that the much-hyped ‘Southern Gateway’ redevelopment is many years away from anything actually happening on the ground, it would be a welcome gesture if a tiny fraction of those millions in parking charges collected by City of York Council (“City council rakes in £7.6m from car parks”) could be used to fill the potholes and resurface the Castle car park.

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk, York

What now for area at Clifford’s Tower?

Almost everyone will be relieved by the abandonment by English Heritage of the proposed ugly building at the base of the castle mound.

So, what now? I have been thinking of the options.

Should a different location be chosen, well clear of the mound and on one of the sides? That would give a clear view of the tower but there would be practical problems regarding entrance to the steps up to the top. Some small ticket office would be needed to ensure that all people have a ticket.

I have begun to think that the bottom of the steps is still the best location but with a better design than the previous one.

I think that the basic design should be a replica of the tower but, obviously, much smaller - only big enough to contain the visitor centre. I think there are two possibilities regarding architectural style. It could be a replica of the tower in every historical detail; or it could be the same shape and colour as the tower but in a modern style.

The contrast of a modern style would enhance the appearance of the historical tower.

David Wright, York Road, Haxby, York