THERE is no doubt that Arc Light provides a valuable service to the local community by providing shelter and support for those who have fallen on hard times, and helps them maintain dignity in what, at times, seems to be an uncaring world.

It is to be hoped the proposed relocation of the facility will benefit the people of York in general and the beneficiaries of their services in particular. As for the possible relocation of these facilities to the former Shipton Street School I make the following observations:

1. Shipton Street School is far removed from the city centre where most users of the Arc Light services are likely to spend their days.

Users would have to walk considerable distances in front of people's homes, many of whose front windows are directly on the pavement.

This is likely to cause embarrassment to the users and concern to the residents.

2. The school is very close to the Burton Stone Lane shops which have recently been designated as a problem area requiring special police attention because of anti-social and gang activities.

3. Arc Light users are required to vacate it during daytime. Those arriving before the facility is open will have to wait around, presumably outside, and could possibly be subject to harassment by local unruly elements.

It would seem to me that more suitable properties should be available for conversion within the city of York. A number of possibilities suggest themselves:

u The old White Swan building which has remained vacant for many years.

u The empty warehouse by Bootham Row

u Council buildings due to be vacated in the near future

u Car parks now empty due to the success of the Park & Ride.

H L Harris,

Burton Stone Lane, York.

Updated: 09:26 Thursday, July 28, 2005