YOUNGSTERS at a York school were so concerned about the future of the Barbican Centre and York City that they each wrote to the Evening Press.

Year Six pupils from St Olave's Junior School put pen to paper to air their views as part of a letter-writing exercise.

The youngsters expressed concern about York losing two of its most prominent leisure facilities, to potentially replace them with housing.

Teacher Felicity Stasiak, said: "My pupils feel very strongly about the threatened loss of leisure facilities in York.

"Many of them have swimming lessons at Barbican pool and go to York City games."

One letter, by pupil Teddy Hustler, said: "The Barbican has many uses, people need to learn sports such as climbing, trampolining, roller skating and karate.

"A survey was carried out in my class showing that at least five people have been to concert there, seven or more people have had swimming lessons there and two people have had parties."

Pupil Alex Ashworth wrote: "There are many activities at the Barbican. I'm sure the council may argue that you can swim, go to a concert, rollerblade or dance somewhere else, but it will never be under one roof, will it?

"Youths in York need productive things to do otherwise they'll resort to violence and vandalism."

Rhona Hunt wrote: "I feel that York citizens will miss out on the fun and healthy recreation that the Barbican provides.

"It offers facilities for all age groups and is a versatile family centre."

Referring to the Barbican closure, Josh Cust wrote: "If this ill-advised plan does go ahead fewer children will have the best start to life with regular exercise.

"More children will be on the streets, which may lead to more vandalism.

"York children deserve this centre!"

Pupil Peter Rowley added: "The football ground has been around for many years and I have been to a couple of matches and a party there as well. If it were to go away, in many people's eyes this would be closing down a part of York."

Updated: 14:00 Friday, January 25, 2002