I AM bemused by the ridiculous arguments being used by opponents of the plans to expand York University campus to the east of Heslington.

The core of Heslington village has its limited attractions but is far from a rural idyll.

Comparing it with two of York's other villages, Naburn and Askham Richard of a similar size, Heslington offers four major high street banks, plus a post office requiring three staff at a time to cope with demand, two pubs, an up-market food store, a busy newsagent, a hairdressing business, an estate agent, and two farms - one long-occupied by the university.

All of these enterprises are largely dependent on university patronage.

I have lived in Badger Hill for the past 32 years and I cycle most days along Field Lane and shop twice a week in Heslington.

The view from Field Lane across the land in question is anything but inspiring; the dominant features being large electric pylons and the very busy A64 outer ring road, whose very visible traffic distracts one's gaze from the scene.

How much better it will be when it is traffic-calmed and bordered by a wide belt of trees and shrubs.

The traffic problem is capable of solution. Heslington and Fulford are both a safe, easy walk or cycle ride away from the city centre by mainly traffic-free, pleasant dedicated cycle routes.

Both are served by frequent bus services which must be the envy of other villages around York.

The city is privileged to be the home of one of Britain's most prestigious universities, which attracts top students and academics from around the world.

Its plans for the development east of Heslington are inspirational and will do nothing but enhance York.

J M Purves,

Crossways,

Badger Hill,

York.

Updated: 10:09 Tuesday, June 15, 2004