NEWS that an application has been submitted for a major housing development on the Monroe shock absorber factory site on York's Shipton Road is of great concern. The area has already seen extensive new housing development in recent years, and the local area development plan identifies that the site should stay in industrial usage.

Although lay-offs are continuing before the plant closes next year, sterling efforts are being made to find new work for the company's high-quality workforce.

Encouraging business or low-level industrial development on the site would be the best way to aid job creation in this area.

Liberal Democrat policy is to support housing development on brownfield sites instead of further encroachment on the Green Belt. But on this occasion employment opportunities should win out over yet more housing sprawl.

Greg Stone,

Parliamentary Spokesman,

Vale of York Liberal Democrats,

Herriott Way, Thirsk.