It is wonderful to read that plans are afoot to redevelop the riverside area next to the Castle Museum (£100k project is to open up river bank, The Press, July 12).

York does not make enough of the potential that the many waterways offer.

Birmingham has done a wonderful job with canalsides, and it will be good to have York make a start in this respect as our lifeblood tourist trade will benefit, as will the wellbeing of local people. I have just one nagging doubt – it is reported that they hope to encourage wildlife on the riverbank in that area.

It is to be hoped that this does not mean that yet more ducks and geese will be encouraged to stay and foul up the area as they do in Rowntree Park, University of York, and the gardens between the riverbank and Tower Street and other open areas in the city.

Bob Redwood, Main Street, Askham Bryan, York.