AS a regular researcher at York's city archives I was shocked to find archivist Mrs Freedman has been suspended from her job (Evening Press, July 28).

Mrs Freedman is an excellent archivist with an inexhaustible knowledge of the collection and an enthusiastic willingness to help with even the most difficult queries and searches. That she also shows genuine concern and interest in the future of the archive collection and is prepared to honestly speak her mind on this subject, should not be cause for her suspension.

It would have been sensible and good manners to have consulted with Mrs Freedman from the start of this matter and her opinions should have been given serious consideration.

Mrs Freedman should be reinstated as soon as possible, however else this matter is concluded.

Mrs Louise E Cresser,

Goodwood Grove, York.

...I HAVE been most disturbed by your recent reports about the suspension from work of the city archivist Mrs Rita Freedman. I have frequently carried out research work in the York archives and I know her to be totally devoted to the service of users of the archive. She is much respected for her expertise and personal qualities - indeed, I do not think she could be more highly esteemed - and we need her back at work immediately.

E A Smith,

Orchard Way, York.

...THE suspension of the widely-respected York archivist Rita Freedman will have come as a shock to fellow archivists and researchers alike. If the facts are as reported, the action of the City of York Council would seem to be incomprehensible.

This is not simply 'an internal disciplinary matter'; it is a matter of great public concern. The chief executive of the city council should issue a detailed statement as soon as practicable.

William Dixon Smith,

Welland Rise,

Acomb, York.