I ENTIRELY agree that for years the centre of York has been lacking in a variety of retail outlets.

As free travel for senior citizens comes into force, people will travel to other towns to shop, where there is a much wider choice.

A supermarket in the centre of town would be ideal (even if it was small).

We used to have a Tesco in Piccadilly which is sadly missed, and even a place like Selby has far more choice.

George Hudson Street is practically empty and would be suitable for big stores such as Wilkinsons (Hardware Ltd) and TJ Hughes.

It's about time York residents were catered for, not just the tourists, with endless coffee shops.

Betty Atkinson,

Dringhouses, York.

Updated: 10:00 Monday, April 03, 2006