If the idea of giving a free bike or travel pass is the greenest idea that Harrisons can come up with when cramming apartments blocks on to the former brick-pit at Birch Park, York, then it doesn't stand much chance in the sustainability or community stakes ('It's on the house', February 18)

Schools and community facilities in the area are already well oversubscribed, the local residents' association has objected and yet again the existing residents have not been consulted by the city council whose officers have had more than 30 meetings.

While recognising a need for affordable housing, this scheme is just an attempt to cram bodies into an undeveloped area at the cost of the existing community and environment. The site is next to the South Foss Beck with great wildlife potential and on the other side there is an industrial estate, which is what the existing local plan says it should continue to be for - not upwards of 600 people and the cars they will bring, free bike or no free bike!

Mick Phythian,

Monkton Road, York.

...Secret plans have been revealed to this me that a building in York - used only at Christmas and Easter and for the odd concert - is in danger of being turned into flats and a high rise car park.

Because of the the ever-increasing cost of maintenance, it seems York Minster will be subject to a massive renovation programme. Also included will be a six-screen multiplex cinema to cover the loss of the Odeon to the new Drive Thru-Yorkshire Pudding Emporium.

Religious fanatics will be asked to switch all services to Clifton bingo hall in a complete turnaround of the policy of turning churches into bingo palaces. What a modern, futuristic city York is becoming.

Eddie Vee,

Official Monster Raving Loony Party,

Woodlands, York.

Updated: 09:34 Saturday, February 21, 2004