THERE is talk, I believe, of building the Arc Light Centre on Union Terrace car park.

It was described in your reader columns as a valuable asset to the city (March 28).

Very true, but I can assure your readers that Union Terrace was a far more valuable asset to the people who lived there.

People who had spent many years in buying and improving their properties only to be given their marching orders, on the pretext of some half baked inner ring road scheme, which came to nought. But the council had got what they wanted by means of a compulsory purchase order.

Strangely, they left a few houses which are still there, although I think they were NHS property, and also a cinema which somehow was overlooked.

Yes I was involved through relatives, but even after 35 years the sense of injustice still rankles.

But what I really was going to write about was the location of the Arc Light Centre, or rather the relocation.

There is a place perfectly positioned, ready made, presumably with all services laid on, and hardly any neighbours to upset and so obvious, I am surprised that it hasn't been considered, The White Swan Hotel, Piccadilly. The place has been empty for many years, and this is an opportunity to put it to good use, even if it means a compulsory purchase order.

Bob Burrows,

Patterdale Drive, York.

Updated: 09:58 Monday, April 03, 2006