WHY should we allow the demolition of the Rialto, (February 8) a building which will have lots of interesting features inside ? This should never be replaced by a new bingo hall.

A building such as this requires looking after and should be given the same protection the Odeon now enjoys.

We have closed cinemas in York, then at a later date built new ones.

Why didn't companies such as Warner take over the ABC or the Rialto with their past history, and build a new bingo hall on an out-of-town business park as others have done?

We could then save our older buildings.

Councillors in York over the last 80 years have demolished hundreds of historic buildings in York and replaced them with modern buildings with no character whatsoever.

This must be stopped now.

We are being forced into having a shopping complex in Coppergate which we do not need, so let's try and save our older buildings before it's too late.

Linda Chadwick,

Holgate Road, York.

...I HAVE a Rialto flyer which shows the Beatles first came to York on February 16, 1963 not in March as you stated.

That first concert was headlined by the awesome Helen Shapiro. I recall their previous appearance on national television when my dear, late dad, Bill, made the typical, tired comment of his generation: "What a load of rubbish".

The people of York were privileged to see three Beatles concerts, including the one mentioned, before the mass adulation started, during which, on their fourth visit, you had to queue all night to get a ticket.

Peter Rapsey

Belfield Road,

Woodnook,

Accrington, Lancs.

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, February 14, 2001