I THINK it is sad that the old Odeon cinema is to be closed down later this year.

It has stood for entertainment in the area for many years and many will mourn its passing.

I think it should make a fine leisure centre for York's young (and not-so-young) people, whether it has an ice rink or roller skating facility (both of which I enjoyed as a teenager) with, perhaps, a function room or rooms to be booked by societies and teachers in the area for painting, yoga, exercise, dance or music lessons.

All would be welcomed and if a small room for refreshments could be included, so much the better. What I think is vital is that this great old building is kept well out of the reach of the greedy hands of property developers, who would no doubt love to turn it into just one more block of "luxury" apartments for people who can afford a "good" address in York.

We have enough of those already and it is time that brakes were applied to the creation of even more!

Whatever its future use, I hope that in its new role, the Odeon becomes as well-known and well-loved for its service to York citizens as it has always been in the past.

Heather Causnett

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 09:32 Thursday, May 25, 2006