AFTER three years the Barbican debate still rages on because of irreconcilable views. What is less controversial are two matters.

Firstly, no recognition for the enhanced Barbican capital receipt has been given to the late Malcolm Johnson, who, as vice chairman of the York District Sports Federation, pointed the way when he presented a paper two years ago to councillors of all sides demonstrating the enhanced potential of the site.

Secondly, the users of the Barbican, Edmund Wilson and Yearsley sites should count their lucky stars that the realised gain will be used to refurbish their facilities.

They are but a fraction of the York leisure spectrum. Most activity is provided by hundreds of voluntary sports and community clubs which may well regard themselves as entitled to a dividend from the Barbican community gain.

Maybe the Foss Island development will prove to be their turn.

Chris Houseman,

Water End,

Clifton, York.

...WHAT is going on in the City of York Council fantasy land?

One minute we are told the proposed Barbican development will not affect traffic flow in the area, and next we have the developers offering to pay for a residents' car parking scheme to stop displaced cars from the Barbican car parks using our streets.

Then there is mention of the "car club" for the much anticipated "car-less" Barbican apartment owner.

Who dreams up these ideas?

Or is it just another way of persuading local residents into dropping their objections to this redevelopment fiasco?

Edna Glowala,

Barbican Road, York.

Updated: 11:17 Tuesday, April 06, 2004