YOUR recent report "Controversial flats plan to be approved" (July 8) regarding the demolition of Burton Croft House on Burton Stone Lane rightly points out that the flats to be built there are yet more unaffordable housing for York, but fails to mention the fact that Burton Croft was also the home of twice Lord Mayor and champion of York, John Bowes Morrell.

He was a man who spent most of his life campaigning for the modernisation of York, but not for it to lose its roots with its past. As a man who spent many years serving York council, it is the same council which your report states agrees with the demolition to make more room for "posh flats".

How about the present council taking note of Morrell and having a bit more respect for York's past? The fine building should not be converted into flats.

York University, founded partly by Morrell and whose library is named after him, could buy the building for affordable student accommodation.

Jonathan Peters,

Buckingham Terrace, York.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, July 11, 2003