When York Barbican was being built during the 1980s, I can remember people haranguing and harassing the council over its conception.

"Waste of money", "white elephant" and "we don't need it" were some of the views quoted.

Nevertheless, the place was built and, by many people's admissions, has provided first class entertainment and excellent facilities for a wide cross-section of people, young and old.

I find it very odd that a building nobody claimed to want, yet which has proved so popular, could cause such a rumpus.

If the council hadn't had the foresight to build the place then for the last 15 years or so we would have been denied the venue anyway.

If the place needs a revamp, rename and rebrand then so be it. Moving with the times is what it is called; it will re-open and, who knows, it may prove to be better.

How many people campaigning to keep it open now will admit to slagging the place and its owners off all those years ago?

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 09:58 Friday, June 04, 2004