WHAT it is about this proposed York Wheel that is generating such obvious enthusiasm in Gillian Cruddas?

Has she ever tried to rush through York, manoeuvre a pushchair, or wheel a bike through town during the tourist season? Now she wants to encourage another 250,000 visitors - the estimated number the wheel could attract. Heaven forbid!

What a wretched blot on the landscape it looks to be. The usual excuse is put forward - it will provide more jobs. Actually, quite a small number, for a limited time, and probably not that well paid.

If this fashionable extravaganza stands almost as tall as York Minster, why bother building it in the first place?

Why not pay to climb to the top of the Minster instead, enjoy much the same views, help maintain a permanent, historic York landmark and save the trees on the proposed site?

Or climb Clifford's Tower, which gives equally good views.

York doesn't need this folly.

Why not approach Ascot? Perhaps they would appreciate the extra income in lieu of the race meeting?

B Treend,

Diamond Street,

The Groves, York.

Updated: 11:20 Monday, February 07, 2005