I AM surprised that Arc Light considers Shipton Street in Clifton to be a good site for their hostel for the homeless. I think it is quite the opposite.

Arc Light's caring attitude is to be commended, but it must be tempered with a grasp of reality. The reality is that many people feel intimidated and frightened by such places because of their association with crime, drug abuse and alcoholism. This fear is reduced if the hostel is sited on a busy, well-lit thoroughfare. A quiet residential street is unsuitable.

What about the hostel's users? They need a place which is easy to find, and I'm not sure Shipton Street is, especially on a dark night in winter. Location, location, location.

This is not the right one.

Michael Dean,

Burton Stone Lane, York.

Updated: 09:27 Thursday, July 28, 2005