WHY does York need new shops near Clifford's Tower? There are plenty of empty premises to vacate. Joe Public doesn't need a top-level study to understand this.

York city centre shops are getting fewer customers because they are being inconvenienced by notorious parking charges. What will more new shops help do? Nothing.

Instead this will further pollute the centre of York. What is being done about the extra pollution levels within York?

Honestly I think it is about time the council gave something back to York and that's more green open spaces to an over-developed city.

Chris Coverdale,

Western Terrace,

New Earswick,

York.

Updated: 09:37 Thursday, October 14, 2004