THE logic of David Hunter's second letter about the future of Haxby Memorial Hall (August 17) is even more bizarre than his first.

The protest group was formed because the trustees went public twice and have practically ignored the option the community has been asking for for five years, which is to retain the original part of the hall and extend behind. He wrote that because I live in Wigginton I have no say. However, the trustees website includes Wigginton residents in its plans and encourages their participation. My daughter attends a dance class at the hall, and we as a family support as many of the local fundraising and other events held there as we can.

Furthermore, the trustees have been given £11,750 of Haxby and Wigginton ward money to develop their plans!

No one argues the Hall should be "left as it is"; it should be properly maintained for the first time in years. While the Atkins survey he quotes actually finds the original hall in very good condition despite years of neglect, it also states it would need less than £80,000 to put right, more money that could have been saved if the hall had been properly looked after. And if CCTV is the answer to vandalism, why hasn't it been installed long ago?

He says the trustees have no plans to raise money except from the Haxby precept. Does he really believe Haxby Town Council can ask the residents to provide £3 million for a project few support?

Mrs G Hull,

Save Haxby Memorial Hall Group,

Back Lane, Wigginton,

York.

Updated: 11:16 Friday, August 19, 2005