WHAT a surprise York came nowhere in the top 20 rankings ('York shops flop', March 3).

For a vibrant city such as ours, the retail therapy leaves much to be desired. The variety of shops we have are very poor.

Our city is made up of banks, building societies, mobile phone shops, opticians, coffee bars, hair salons, charity shops, estate agents, gift shops and travel agents. I have nothing against these shops but take these out of the city centre and what have we got left? Not a lot.

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 11:10 Monday, March 08, 2004