DURING the four years I have lived in York I have seen the final vestiges of river trading craft disappear.

There was a little tugboat (semi-converted) moored at Castle Lock, a lifeboat on the Foss and some barges near Queens Staith.

There is nothing of interest afloat in York now.

The rivercraft of York Boats are practical for their purpose, but no more interesting than any modern bus.

Why can we not populate the river with a range of interesting, attractive vessels?

Owners of preserved coasters, yachts, tugs, lifeboats, and Humber keels could surely be attracted by free moorings in York, properly designed for flood conditions, and administered so only vessels which enhanced the riverscape, and caused no nuisance, could remain.

Apparently the stone for the Minster was unloaded at a quay below Guildhall so what about recreating that scene with an authentic period barge, featuring contemporary lifting tackle and stone blocks of the size they handled?

We now have riverside platforms at the City Screen and between the Skeldergate and Millennium Bridges.

But, these days, the Ouse is still a dull river to view.

Hugh Barwell,

Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, May 22, 2003