AT last someone has come forward with a creditable idea for the Castle area. I refer, of course, to Alison Sinclair's article (September 17).

Alison's vision needs some tidying up to satisfy most people - we cannot satisfy all no matter what we do - but it is a vision, and that has been what's lacking in the schemes put forward so far.

The grassed park was vague, the shops were unwanted and a pathetic excuse for development.

Now there is a foundation to be worked on. Alison's suggestion of paving the Eye Of York and the proposal for a performance area on the museum terrace must immediately make one think "what an ideal place to have the Mystery Plays, a ready-made stage and an area for the audience to be accommodated with ease."

Let us unearth what is there to use and promote yet another piece of our historic jigsaw, and make the best use of what is there right now.

Some will scream 'what about the cars?'. Well, here is the chance to build that car park in Piccadilly and give the people of York something to be proud of and something for people to come to York and say 'I've been there, seen it, am proud to wear the T-shirt and I'll go back for the baseball cap."

It may sound adventurous, but that's what vision is all about.

Coun Brian W J E Watson,

Beckfield Lane,

Acomb,

York.

...OVERLOOKING the River Foss, opposite the walkway by Fenwicks, the banner is once again displayed from 34 Piccadilly recommending the concept of a "Castle Quarter" as a new planning policy for this area.

A planning application has been submitted for the refurbishment and regeneration of the building at No 34 Piccadilly, for a mixed scheme of apartments, live/work studio units, and a small restaurant.

Across the road, the former Stubbs building has planning permission already in place, and redevelopment there can be expected next year.

Perhaps City of York Council can encourage the regeneration of Piccadilly by the simple action of putting up for sale the derelict former tram shed - which the council has allocated for housing but which still stands forlorn - bearing the graffiti of the "Megazone" painted on it ten years ago.

Finally, I was delighted to read Alison Sinclair's vision for the Castle Precinct.

It is important that an open-minded discussion about what the city needs from this area in particular should start as soon as possible.

Andrew Eccles MA MRICS,

Chartered Surveyor,

The Estate Office,

Northminster Business Park,

Northfield Lane,

Poppleton,

York.

...IN response to your Without Walls supplement (September 17), I do hope York will have a good future, in keeping with why visitors come to the city.

We rely on tourism.

York has never been a city of big industries except for the chocolate factories and railways.

But many of the old firms have closed, leaving the city vulnerable.

I should like to see a new York without the skyscrapers please.

Alison Sinclair's vision for the Castle area seems an appropriate development in keeping with the city's future for all to enjoy.

Keith Chapman,

Custance Walk,

Benedict Road,

Nunnery Lane, York.

Updated: 10:23 Friday, September 19, 2003