AN expert told the Coppergate inquiry that the new shops will not take business away from the existing shops and that the development is needed to attract more regional shoppers to York (February 7).

Now I read that a traffic consultant claims the site will have "excellent choice for access other than by car. There will be an additional 450 cycle parking spaces..."

This vision of people pedalling along the A64 from West Yorkshire, happily cycling home with shopping bags hung from their handlebars, is one we can all find credible.

Richard Firn,

Stockton Lane,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 11:07 Friday, February 15, 2002