STONEBOW HOUSE is generally regarded as an eyesore and is a consistent winner of the York ‘brick bat’ awards.

Well, now that the council is considering purchase of the remaining freehold, the best 50th birthday present that it and the citizens of York could receive is its demolition.

Clear the site, grass it over and on it place a few seats to provide a green space within the city centre, whereby tourists and residents alike can rest and admire the grand frontage of the Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, as the 1963 archive picture reveals. All cities need open spaces.

This may be the last opportunity to rectify the mistake of a previous generation that put commerce before the care of a beautiful ancient city. Loss of revenue from this site would be negligible compared to the value that it would give the city for generations to come.

John Williamson, Sheriff Hutton, York.