WE are writing in full support of Coppergate II. We can only see that this development would be of great benefit to the citizens of York and its many visitors.

At the moment, beyond Piccadilly Plaza many of the buildings are an eyesore, with rubbish everywhere.

Coppergate II would be a great improvement allowing access to the river, which at present is vastly under utilised, bringing much-needed commerce to York centre. The area around Clifford's Tower would be opened up allowing visitors to enjoy its imposing vista and take advantage of the extra amenities. Failure to proceed can only mean another decade of decay for this area of the River Foss.

Anne and Tony Cole,

Strand House,

Piccadilly, York.

...IF the artists impression of the frontage of the new Coppergate II scheme is going to be anything like the picture you published (January 17), then I suggest that it is dropped into the nearest waste bin and incinerated, it is disgusting. No one would be able to tell which building is the prison.

Jeremy Banyard,

Bramham Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 10:53 Friday, January 25, 2002