I WOULD like to set the record straight with regard to your leader about the Barbican Centre (March 3). You said the Barbican Centre is to be torn down: nothing could be further from the truth. The proposal from Barbican Venture (that's the name of the developer, not a new name for the centre) is to retain and improve the facilities.

The plan is also about improving what's on offer there; we have no intention of losing any of the acts or attractions enjoyed by York citizens.

On the subject of the sports hall, the proposal does not include keeping this. But again we do not intend any activities to be "lost for good".

We have found that the present arrangement doesn't work that well. For example, when the snooker is on all the sports activity has to stop.

We believe we can make more satisfactory arrangements for everyone by opening up other venues.

Coun Alan Jones,

Executive member for leisure and heritage,

City of York Council,

Guildhall, York.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, March 06, 2003