ALL I can say about the article by Chris Greenwood ("Arcade to hit shops", Evening Press, October 20), is thank goodness for the Evening Press.

Without it we, my neighbours and myself, would never have known of such plans.

We live only a hundred yards from the premises, in Beech Grove, but have never been consulted, which probably explains why no objections were received by Patrick Sutor. Just who did he ask? Who were the 26 interested parties?

I notice now, having read the article, that there are some obscure, half-hidden signs on the premises. Are they deliberately obscure?

There has been a gradual, and noticeable decline in the vitality of Acomb shops. 'Shop' seems to refer to gambling or charity outlets. There remains only a handful of good businesses now and they should not be allowed to decline any further. We already have an architectural eyesore, let's not add 'tat'.

David Barnes,

Beech Grove,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, October 26, 2004