I HAVE looked at the council’s proposals for Exhibition Square in my local library and am not in favour of retaining the statue of William Etty there, unlike William Dixon Smith (The Press, January 29).

It could go to the rear of the Art Gallery in the Museum Gardens as a roost for the pigeons. We could also get rid of the tour buses which clog up that area in summer.

William Etty was no doubt York’s most famous artist and his works, particularly the nudes which he specialised in, ought to have pride of place in the gallery.

In the present refurbishment, I would like to see a space or room dedicated to the work of contemporary York-born artists, say a month or so for each to showcase their work.

Perhaps whoever is responsible for the gallery at the present time would like to comment.

Bill Heppell, Riseborough House, Rawcliffe Lane, York.