WE TOTALLY agree with the York council planners (Arcade to hit shops, October 20). We are horrified and we knew nothing about the plans. Apparently neither does most of our street.

The obligatory notices informing the public of change of use were placed in obscure places, and at night one cannot be seen as it is behind shutters.

We would be interested to know who the 26 interested parties are. As far as we know, no residents have been informed by letter. It would appear that only the local shops have been informed, therefore no objections from residents would have been received at the public inquiry.

Talking to our neighbours it has become apparent that nobody is in favour and had we known about the public inquiry we would have all attended. We can only hope that the inspector turns down the application.

Helen and Henry Rough,

Beech Grove,

Acomb, York.

Updated: 09:21 Tuesday, November 02, 2004