It was interesting that Paul James of Absolute Leisure Ltd obtained some 500 signatures backing the redevelopment of the Barbican (Evening Press, September 8)

Obviously he has confidence City of York Council will be influenced by such market research but, because the council has a vested interest, this may be well justified.

More's the pity the 6,000-signature petition against the scheme did not receive the same consideration. To this may be added the 200 letters of objection and the 700 signature petition against granting extended licensing hours for Absolute Leisure at the Barbican Centre.

It should also be remembered that, in accordance with the new licensing rules, only residents living within close proximity of the Barbican were allowed to object. How many of Mr James's petition-signers lived close enough to qualify?

Having attended the council hearing on the application by the leisure group for an extension to licensing hours, a request was made for a copy of the hearing minutes to determine how the decision was reached.

The response from council officials was that no minutes were available. Is this really open, democratic government?

J Wartho,

Eastfield Lane,

Dunnington, York.

Updated: 10:03 Tuesday, September 20, 2005