I WRITE in response to David Bryant and the problems of York market (April 26).

Mr Bryant suggests the market "is there to cater for the needs of local people buying everyday items".

I should argue that this is exactly what the market fails to do.

When I last visited, I saw only two stalls selling fresh veg, and none more appealing than the selection at any supermarket.

However, if you need everyday items such as posters, mobile phone accessories, ponchos, uPVC windows or jewellery to ease rheumatic pains, then the market is the place to go.

The major problem for the market is that stallholders cannot compete with supermarkets for the cheaper items and yet, largely, they don't offer the quality produce small shops do.

The market needs to move on - people will make special journeys for good quality produce, but cheap goods can be bought easily elsewhere.

Simon Drage,

Carlton Avenue,

York.

Updated: 10:52 Friday, April 29, 2005