AS I am now looking for my next job opportunity, my thoughts have turned to the science and business parks scattered around York.

I remember a couple of years back there being a big fanfare about the coming creation of the Vangarde business and science park at Monk's Cross.

While I can't pretend to be a regular visitor to Monk's Cross, I have been there and I do not recall seeing a large business park adjacent to the Park&Ride facility', nor immediately to the south of the stadium' as described on all the websites that I was able to find about the Vangarde development.

I also found a council-run newsletter concerning the Vangarde park, but the last edition was for December 2004.

So I'm wondering, did the Vangarde park ever get built? Did anyone ever set up shop there?

Has it folded or did it simply never happen? All the hype indicated a grand opening in December 2003, so it should be a hive of activity by now, but I can't see it!

Most importantly, if Vangarde did fail, how much public money was wasted in the venture?

Dr Richard Greaves.

Morehall Close, York.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "The council granted planning permission for the site in 2003 as a premier employment site', which means that any future use must involve science, technology or be the main headquarters for a business.

"The site has been acquired by private developers, Oakgate, and will be developed over the next few years.

"No public money has been used to develop the site."