MATTHEW Woodcock's article on York District Sports Council document on the Barbican site redevelopment (December 27) needs putting in context.

Firstly, we have tried for several years to develop a consultation and participation relationship with City of York Council.

Our thoughts were sent to several senior politicians of all persuasions to facilitate discussions and not to get

newspaper headlines.

Unfortunately, the council's officers and ruling politicians have ignored the approach and the document has been leaked into the public domain - but not by YDSC officials.

It is sad that Charlie Croft infers that we value the Barbican site at £30 million. We have never claimed such a figure.

What we would like to ventilate is the

possibility of raising cash from an outright sale of the site and the cash could then be used as collateral to attract other funds - in the range of a total £15 to £30 million, our document states.

This is how, for instance, the Lottery works and York council is pursuing this route for the Oaklands upgrading bid.

We cannot tell what is possible unless we talk about it.

The problem is that York council is hooked on promises to give voters what they clamoured for in the Evening Press campaign a couple of years ago.

This was a rearguard action to prevent a loss whereas we are trying to look further and deeper to create a community gain.

Why do we have to get to the point of almost awarding a contract before we talk together about other possibilities?

Chris Houseman,

York District Sports Council,

Water End, York.

Updated: 12:28 Monday, December 30, 2002