Not the full picture

But what a pity you did not show what is to be built around it. You didn't show the big 128-bed hotel that will stand alongside the centre where the swimming pool is now, nor the multi-storey blocks of 240 flats to be constructed opposite the little houses on Barbican Road - zigzagged so they can fit more in.

The front of the hotel facing the city walls and the end block of flats towards Walmgate Bar will be four and five storeys high and will over-top the walls.

And all these flats will mean more homes for local people who need somewhere to live, won't they?

Well, perhaps not.

It is more probable they will be like the "luxury" flats converted from the old City Arms building and recently seen advertised in a holiday cottage brochure.

Some so-called "affordable homes" to be built at the corner of Kent Street and Fishergate will be able to take full advantage of the view of traffic jams created by increased use of the site and by the loss of parking in Kent Street.

This is to be reduced so a smaller swimming pool can be built there to replace the one in the way of the new hotel.

It is all too much, its impact too great. Someone should get a grip on this latest bit of traffic-generating redevelopment and scale it down. But will they?

After all, the city stands to gain £10.5 million when the planning permission is passed on to private interests to manage in future. And that will solve the city's financial problems at a stroke, so it must be worth it.

Alison Sinclair,

Norfolk Street,

Bishopthorpe Road, York.

...PAT Issitt is way off the mark in her comments about the Barbican Centre (February 25).

The sale of the Barbican will raise almost £5 million to be invested in sporting facilities across the city.

Without this money, the refurbishment of Edmund Wilson and Yearsley pools would not go ahead and the future of both would be precarious.

I should certainly not wish to see this amount being put on to my council tax bill instead.

Mrs Issitt's claim that the Barbican will be replaced with "nothing" is simply wrong. The Barbican will retain all its major facilities, including the swimming pool, fitness suite, auditorium and children's play area.

It is my understanding that during the refurbishment, any facilities that become temporarily unusable will be replicated elsewhere in the city until work is complete. This is bound to cause inconvenience to users but is surely worthwhile given the long-term benefits of the project.

The Barbican refurbishment is in the interests of the whole city. Mrs Issitt's arguments betray a narrow-minded "me first" attitude that takes no account of the bigger picture.

G Thompson,

Skiddaw,

Woodthorpe, York.

...MOST Barbican users with whom I regularly mix are deeply opposed to the council's plan for the site - this is amply demonstrated by their enthusiasm to sign the petition now being collected among Total Leisure members.

Many of us have been protesting at the council's plans for the Barbican since the beginning and, had it not been for the various stages of protest, it is highly likely the original plans mayhave succeeded, in other words total redevelopment of site with no theatre, no replacement pool or gym and all other sporting facilities lost.

Oh yes, and also no Yearsley Grove swimming pool!

Correspondents should remember these facts before accusing us of "Nimbyism" or "Mafia-like tactics".

If there has been a pattern during recent years it is not one of protest for protest's sake, but of proposed developments which were deeply unpopular with many citizens. People are not stupid - if they feel strongly enough they will protest. Thank God they have the right.

I am sorry to read Dorothy Nicholson's seemingly bitter words. She is welcome at our next public meeting on March 9 at the Barbican where she will meet many old friends.

EP Dickinson,

Anne Street, York.

...WE must take issue with Dorothy Nicholson about support for Barbican swimmers (Letters, March 4).

If she had taken the trouble to look at the back of the march to which she refers she would have seen massive support from the over 50s keep fit group. My wife and I and many of our friends accepted the invitation to attend the march.

Now is not the time to air differences but be united in our efforts to Save Our Barbican.

John and Dusty Wartho,

Eastfield Lane,

Dunnington, York.

...THE Barbican Centre is the premier leisure and entertainment venue in York according to most city residents.

How can we replace it with car parking space, a new hotel, even more "contemporary" apartments, or any of the other replacements being discussed by our unenlightened councillors?

City of York Council should be planning to expand the existing centre, to improve and extend the present services at what appears to be a very successful leisure venue.

I often use the beauty suite, but often find it hard to get an appointment. Why isn't this facility bigger? I know many who use the fantastic gym facilities. Being open for so many hours, and almost always full, it is a popular service too. Add to that the wonderful range of fitness classes, there is something for everyone regardless of age or ability. As for concerts, there have been impressive acts throughout last year, and that will continue in 2004.

So what does the council think they are doing by even suggesting getting rid of this most vital of public services in York?

Dorinda J Gear,

County House,

Monkgate, York.

Don't fleece duke

THE Duke of York's opinion on the North Yorkshire Police fleece has created much interest. But Evening Press readers should not be diverted from what was achieved by his visit to Multidrive Ltd.

By his attendance alone, and acting in his unsung capacity representing UK exporters, the duke has demonstrated a real faith in British manufacturing which few other key public personalities or politicians achieve.

He will continue to assist us as he spreads the word during his hectic visits schedule, at home and abroad where royal family status is valued and offers opportunities.

Importantly, during the visit he showed none of the negative attributes mentioned by your correspondent (Letters, March 9).

Instead, he listened, showed an intense interest in people and their work, demonstrated good humour and left with a real feel for what we are undertaking.

Whether or not you agree with the existence of a royal family, let's not fleece the duke. He has a job to do and is doing it well.

Chris Chambers,

Managing Director,

Multidrive Ltd,

Thirsk Industrial Park, Thirsk.

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, March 11, 2004