I see York City have withdrawn their planning application to redevelop Huntington Stadium on the grounds it is not a suitable alternative.

As I understand it the position regarding the redevelopment of Bootham Crescent is that, in the words of the City of York Council leader: "in the absence of a suitable alternative the plans to develop the ground are unacceptable" and consequently Bootham Crescent Holdings plc are sitting on a worthless asset.

The planning committee should now grasp the nettle and throw the Persimmon application out.

In addition the Council should seriously consider compulsory purchase basing the value as a sporting facility and not for housing.

Until Douglas Craig and his gang have been paid off and sent packing I will always have the feeling that the fans are being stitched up and all this talk of no announcements for several months makes me feel even more pessimistic.

Graham Goforth,

The Thorpe,

Amotherby,

Malton,

North Yorkshire.

Updated: 11:00 Saturday, February 07, 2004