IT was a nice try by Trevor Kidd to try to use the argument of 'precedent' to champion Coppergate II (Letters, May 1). However, where is the logical connection that because there was once a great ugly Victorian prison surrounding Clifford's Tower (now thankfully demolished), the site should, 67 years later, become home to an equally intrusive shopping centre?

Oh, and yes, I'm sure there are pictures of barges 'plying up and down' the Foss - just as there are far more recent pictures showing heavy motor traffic passing directly in front of the Minster. Back to the drawing board (along with the developers), eh, Trevor?

Richard Stansfield,

Main Street, Bulmer, York.

Updated: 11:09 Friday, May 03, 2002