IF looks are anything to go by, the picture on the Evening Press front page (July 6) is the best yet as far as the Coppergate II proposals go. There seems to be a definite decrease in building on the Castle side and a move toward providing an area suitable to the tourism possibilities of the site.

However, the plans do not include car parking to counteract the loss of the Castle car park. There is no way you will encourage anyone to visit York if you start reducing the car parking near the city centre.

I can hear the ecologists and cyclists now: "Use the Park & Ride". Just remember, you lot - you have the convenience of door to door transport, why on earth shouldn't the rest of us have the same with our preferred modes of transport?

Jeremy Banyard,

Bramham Grove,

Acomb, York.

...New Vision for the Castle: Yes! This is excellent. It satisfied my main objections to earlier schemes.

The Castle focus is improved and not reduced. Piccadilly development, like the rest of York, is piecemeal and not all in a homogenous lump.

The loss to the public purse should not be the be-all-and-end-all of the discussion. Go for it!

Andy Clark,

Lady Anne Middleton's Hotel,

Skeldergate, York.

...AN emphatic 'No' to shops being developed at Coppergate. There are too many empty shops and properties in the city centre. But yes to clearing up the area and making it into an attractive place to sit and enjoy.

Audrey Hall,

Villa Court, Upper Poppleton, York.

Updated: 10:28 Wednesday, July 11, 2001