I WISH to add my support to the campaign to keep the City of York Archives within the city centre and not 'shut away' at the university.

I was recently privileged to be able to observe for myself the work of Rita Freedman and her staff and the excellent service they provide to members of the public, whether local or visitors to the city, academics and students alike.

A lack of communication and consultation has resulted in this situation and I trust that now this issue has been brought to the attention of the councillors and the residents of York, the campaign to keep these valuable archives within the city, and as accessible as they are now to everyone, will succeed.

I thank the Evening Press for continuing to cover this issue and hope that its support will help influence the council. Janette Strodder,

Burniston Grove,

Tang Hall Lane, York.

...I AM a local historian and have been a frequent user of the city archives and all the other record repositories and libraries within York during the last 25 years. I have been astounded at the recent suspension of Mrs Freedman from her post as archivist for what seems to be a genuine expression of concern about lack of consultation over future developments.

Mrs Freedman has an encyclopaedic knowledge, not just of the records in the archives, but of the city itself.

The Ainsty records too are housed there and I know just how many people come to consult these records and Mrs Freedman on local and family history matters.

I hope she will be re-instated and sensible discussions, which include both staff and users, can follow about the future of this valuable institution.

Marjorie Harrison,

Northfield Way,

Appleton Roebuck, York.