COUNCILLOR Richard Moors, who, for reasons best known to himself, used his casting vote to force through Barratt's application for the demolition of Burton Croft, has treated the memory of John Bowes Morrell, one of the most faithful friends York has ever known, with profound disrespect (Councillora vote to demolish historic York home, Aug 13).
Yet even Coun Moore's dishonourable behaviour cannot match that of York University, which was given the house in trust and in perpetuity, and which then, with its customary greed, and with its customary disdain for York and for York's citizens, saw fit to make a mockery of Professor Morrell's kindness and generosity by turning Burton Croft into ready cash.
Not content with one betrayal of its founder, the university has now refused to lift a finger to save his house, because it "doesn't get involved in this sort of thing". It managed to get involved when it put Burton Croft on the market and pocketed the money.
All that will now be left to commemorate J B Morrell will be his name on the outside of the university library books.
Its contempt for John Bowes Morrell, for his family, and for the most basic rules of decent conduct renders York University itself contemptible. Everybody there should be deeply ashamed.
Louise Graham,
Trafalgar Street,
South Bank,
York.
...THE Barratt York spokesman says of J B Morrell's exquisite house Burton Croft that "it does not merit attention." How many of his houses "merit attention"?
France Rainger,
Naburn Lane,
York.
...I READ with disgust and dismay that City Of York Council has stooped to such a low level by granting a planning approval and thus the demise of Burton Croft.
Apart from the historic provenance of the property - John Bowes Morrell, the father of modern York - this building has architectural elegance which is only blighted by inconsiderate constructions beside it.
I refer to the grotesque, bland, obnoxious, characterless, block (and block is the word) of flats.
They are devoid of architectural merit and should be bulldozed.
E L Thompson,
Pond Farm,
Crambe, York.
Updated: 11:31 Tuesday, August 17, 2004
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