SO Councillor Galloway is annoyed that the members of the public who are protesting at the closure of the Barbican have been guilty of a campaign of misinformation. That is truly a case of the kettle calling the pan grimy.
Since the initial proposal to sell off the Barbican, City of York Council and, together with the proposed developer, have used every means possible, including misinformation, distortion of the truth and propaganda, to achieve their objective.
Firstly there was to be a casino, when that was objected to, then reply was "No, you misunderstand it's a night club."
What about parking for concert goers? Oh! People will be prepared to park in town and walk. What about parking for the apartments? We will provide parking in St George's Field, and so it has gone on...and on.
If the Barbican pool is, as the council insists, "worn out", then I would suggest that either there has been neglect on the part of the responsible officers to properly maintain. There has been gross neglect on the part of councillors.
It is proposed to spend monies received from the sale of the Barbican baths on two baths which are older that the Barbican. Why they are they not "worn out"?
M H Wilson,
Telford Terrace,
York.
...COUN Keith Orrell commented that the Barbican deal struck with Mr Andrew Cossins will fund quote desperately-needed repairs to the Edmund Wilson and Yearsley swimming pools, otherwise there would be a real risk that they would close (Letters, May 10).
Obviously the present council cannot be blamed for letting these two very important facilities get into such a state of disrepair. It was, of course, the last Labour lot who, judging by this statement, were running York into the ground.
Where was the money going? With council tax rises well above inflation, and large business rates bills, I do wonder.
May I also remind Coun Orrell that he was elected as a public servant to this city, for which he gets handsomely paid, and everyone in this city is entitled to their point of view.
Robert Waite,
Windmill Rise,
York.
...JOE Jones of Rawcliffe Lane puts the cost of refurbishing Yearsley and Edmund Wilson pools at less than £2 million.
This is in conflict with a council report in July 2000 which put the cost of the Yearsley Pool refurbishment at £2.25 million and Edmund Wilson at £1.73 million.
It would be reasonable to assume that costs are likely to be higher now than in 2000.
The condition survey of the Barbican pool said there were a number of serious and significant areas of concern. This has been reflected since in the continual problems with the plant.
A modern facility is urgently required.
Coun Tom Holvey,
Dringhouses and Woodthorpe ward,
Houndsway,
York.
...I NOTE that the self-appointed champion of public virtue, and local anti-development protagonist Philip Crowe has at last let his crown slip.
Who was it Mr Crowe, who said, "Objectors, if they are to be taken seriously, have to research the topic under review, and present a well argued case, if they are to have any chance of success"? Well, actually you did in your letter on March 3!
So, why then do you accuse the council of "giving away" the freeholds of the land for housing and a hotel at the Barbican (Letters, May 10), when research should have revealed that they are in fact receiving £10 million for it?
No need to read the small print this time Mr Crowe.
When it comes to missing out key information, the hypocritical crowd behind the
Save the Barbican campaign win every time!
Paul S Cordock,
Durlston Drive,
York.
Updated: 08:48 Monday, May 17, 2004
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