YOUR comprehensive coverage of the occupation of the White Swan building reveals a possible explanation for it standing empty for so long.

Land Securities is awaiting the results of the Coppergate public inquiry. The Secretary of State may well reject its application.

A council spokesperson states that the future of the site depends on the results of the Coppergate iInquiry, which, of course, in planning terms is simply untrue. The council knows more than we do, and it is not telling.

Diana Dickson, manager of the Coppergate centre next door, which owned by Land Securities, said: "I understand the owners will probably take legal action to regain possession of the property."

Clearly she, or Land Securities, has been in close contact with the owners.

From this conjunction of opinions it is clear that Land Securities and the owners of the White Swan are in consultation.

This would not be surprising because Land Securities would, if it acquired the site, consolidate its land ownership of this prime retail area.

It would then no doubt apply to demolish and redevelop.

The owners have been patiently waiting for just such an opportunity.

Is this credible?

We suggest that it is. If it is not, then perhaps those concerned would care to deny it and we would be happy to apologise for our misinterpretation of the evidence.

Philip Crowe,

Chair, York Tomorrow,

Stonegate, York.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, April 24, 2003