I AM appalled by the so-called "ambitious" plans to redevelop the former York College For Girls school building into retail outlets, apartments or a restaurant (June 6).

Has the planning committee gone completely ridiculous in suggesting these new plans for what is an exceptionally fine building in the centre of York?

I'm glad Peter Brown of York Civic Trust suggested the scheme should have been stopped so changes could be made. But in York it seems anything goes and, of course, money talks.

One only has to read about the proposals for the area around Clifford's Tower to see that we have a planning committee which is simply not up to doing their job properly, and if we don't do something about them, then buildings such as the one in Petergate will be ruined forever.

Who owns this building? Can't another use be found for it?

Barbara Wright,

The Bungalows,

Manor Road, Easingwold.

...I FELT privileged to have been allowed three minutes to present my views at the first executive council meeting headed by the Liberal Democrats. I had thought there would be an air of excitement as the newly-elected Lib Dems discussed fresh ideas and views about former Labour council rulings.

How wrong I was. The councillors looked at me with blank faces and disinterested eyes. I had been told "be prepared for questions", but there were none.

Within ten minutes the Lib Dems agreed to the Labour idea of closing Clarendon Court and turning it into a convalescent care unit for elderly people blocking York Hospital beds.

Days later, the Lib Dems, voted in by the people of York because they wanted a change, approved the plans for turning the former girls' college in Petergate into five shops, a restaurant and apartments, despite strong objections from York Civic Trust and Holy Trinity Church.

Next time York citizens want a change of council leadership, I suggest they vote for the Green Party.

Peggy Griffiths,

Hillsborough Terrace,

Burton Stone Lane, York.

Updated: 12:31 Wednesday, June 11, 2003