CLIVE Appleyard described how he was canvassed by a supporter of Hugh Bayley, stating that he had supported residents over issues such as the floods (Letters, May 23). What hypocrisy.

Where was he when the Labour Government cut the city council's grant for flood defence work last November?

Where was he when people wanted his support in opposing Coppergate II?

What words of support has he given to city-centre traders and those from Heworth and Acomb when they complained about the council's introduction of parking wardens which many businesses feel are damaging their livelihoods?

The truth is, when either the interests of Labour-controlled York council or the Labour Government has clashed with those of local residents, Hugh Bayley has been nowhere to be seen.

I am grateful to Bill Shaw, the Green Party candidate, (Letters, March 21), for his straightforward statement of opposition to the Coppergate II development.

But I wonder if we could have the same unequivocal yes or no from the Labour and Liberal candidates?

Do they support the proposed development or not?

Michael McIntyre,

Prospective Parliamentary candidate, City of York Conservatives,

Ash Street,

Poppleton Road, York.

Updated: 10:45 Tuesday, May 29, 2001