WHILE I hesitate to cross metaphorical swords with such august worthies as our Archbishop, Dame Janet and the indomitable Dr Shannon (Evening Press, January 4), I must speak against their suggestion that the development of the Clifford's Tower area be referred to a public inquiry.

Such a move would see the site's future decided by a small, un-elected, number of people or, worse, by a Secretary of State.

The citizens of York are perfectly capable of making the best decisions for this city - although we will never all agree as to what that best might be. We elect men and women to do precisely that, and the duty of the rest of us is to persuade those representatives as to what is best. If more of us had done that in the past, we would not have Stonebow and Goodramgate, and other eyesores.

Speaking of eyesores, the worst of them is the very car park now under debate. This abomination is tolerated only because it provides a facility for those car-users who can't be bothered to walk a few extra yards to do their shopping.

Those who are resisting Coppergate II should ask themselves whether or not any such scheme would make the most important contribution to Clifford's Tower just by getting rid of the car park. If they agree, then the car park must go. The price for this benefit would be a row of buildings which may be used as homes, offices, restaurants or shops. There would still be a large area at the foot of the moat, which could be landscaped and used as public open space.

I will always lead any protest against the despoliation of our lovely city; but I cannot convince myself that the Coppergate II proposals will result in such. They will, to the contrary, make us even more proud of the city.

P S Fowler,

Bramble Dene,

Woodthorpe,

York.

...AS a long-time business man whose firm traded in Fossgate for 100 years until last October, it grieves me to read about the attitude of the York Civic Trust and its pontificating to the people of York regarding the Coppergate Riverside scheme which has already been passed by the democratically-elected city council.

I refer to a snide remark by Trust chairman John Shannon. He said in the Press: "We must not miss the last opportunity to take the decision out of the hands of City of York Council" (December 8). What a thing to say - talk about democracy.

I now see the Trust has dragged the Archbishop of York into the argument. I would have thought he had enough to do shoring up the C of E and the finances of the York Diocese.

There is no reference to the main part of the project which stretches from Ryedale House to the Foss in Piccadilly and land adjacent to the Kirk Museum. Piccadilly is a very neglected area along with Fossgate and Walmgate and a £60 million development providing retailing, a hotel, parking and so forth would be a great boost to this area.

The chance is there. They are not going to knock down the Castle and, unfortunately, gardens do not produce rates. I give my support to City of York Council.

David Browne,

Welburn.

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, January 10, 2001