TOM Adams' proposals for the Coppergate development are realistic and offer a solution which would be of the greatest benefit to York (February 7). An Italian-type piazza with an arcade in front of the shops would keep window shoppers dry, and also present an exciting and vibrant cityscape especially when lit up at night.

For most of the year can one really imagine people sitting in a cold, rainy and windswept park? Parks have to be maintained and clearly with public finance at a premium the council cannot afford it. Cities thrive on people, shops, light and colour. Let York go for it now. There is no alternative to commercial funding.

MG Wilks,

Aldwark,

York.

Updated: 10:45 Saturday, February 17, 2001