FROM your article "Moves to create city centre chief" (July 15), there appears to be little or no provision for representation of residents - only that of elected councillors.

This obvious imbalance will give the retail sector carte blanche to extend its already vested interests with complete disregard to the democratic process.

The failure of late-night shopping on Thursdays was a typical example of wasted public funds in support of a minority of shops. The concept depends on an industry that already exploits its employees by Third World pay and excessive hours.

It is noted that Marks & Spencer is a likely leading player. Perhaps, in view of its trading figures, M&S may consider getting its own house in order before it attempts to ruin an already thriving and vibrant city centre which was designed with residents in mind.

The proposed city-centre management structure will only encourage the "theme park" mentality which no doubt the retail sector will support. Delete Parliament Street, insert Marks & Sparks Street or perhaps Adam Sinclair would prefer Mulberrygate to Stonegate.

The Coppergate Centre could, without any planning inquiry, extend the length of Coney Street by becoming Land Security Lane.

The mind boggles, and there is nothing to suggest that residents could have any input other than those elected members who recently ruined the evening economy by introducing such exorbitant parking charges.

Claire Pletts,

Middlecroft Grove,

Strensall,

York.

Updated: 09:49 Tuesday, July 20, 2004