HAVING read "Football Club's Bookings Fears" (October 22) I feel that this article doesn't give an overall picture.

If anyone would take the trouble to read why the planning application for new football pitches was turned down by both City of York Council and the Government planning inspector, it will be seen that among other things the safety of the children was quite rightly also considered.

The travel arrangements suggested by Bishopthorpe Parish Council, whereby these youngsters were expected to either walk or cycle to the proposed site, would be hazardous to say the least, specifically at dusk where there is no footpath or lighting in Intake Lane.

As regards using the local Scouts' minibus, I believe there is no undertaking for this arrangement because of a clash of requirements.

Furthermore the residents of Acaster Malbis were told at a meeting on the proposed site by an independent town planner engaged by Bishopthorpe Parish Council that this was a private concern.

Why then is it that the said council is asking the city council to foot the bill as regards the planning application to the tune of £2,500 plus?

G W Whiston,

Cherry Tree Drive,

Acaster Malbis,

York.

Updated: 11:07 Thursday, November 03, 2005