IN response to David Goldman's letter about the removal of the 'lone tree' at The Eye Of York. (Letters, February 13), my observations were concerned only with that specific area from the point of view of it being a useful site for performances.

I made no comment about car parks, racism or memorial gardens, these are matters for the council.

Ten years ago or so, before the tree appeared, York would have been treated to a full-size ice rink instead of half of one. I also suggested replacement planting at an alternative site to counter the loss of the 'lone tree' .

While I agree that, compared with other cities, York may be a cultural desert I do not recognise the desolate and barren wasteland devoid of green open space in Mr Goldman's dreadful description of the city.

I simply feel the Eye Of York has the potential, with the council's support, to be of greater benefit to the city. My point may warrant discussion, but not ridicule.

JR Stone,

Millfield Road, York.

...What is all this fuss about the tree in the Eye Of York? Eric Bloodaxe and his army manage to fight around it at the climax of every Viking Festival, and it even seems to attract visitors from other galaxies, pictured left.

Kate Lock,

Bishopthorpe Road, York.

Updated: 11:10 Wednesday, February 18, 2004