ROY Templeman of City of York Council acknowledged the "high quality facilities" at the York Railway Institute and that they had "probably seen better days" (January 10).

He then says York Central development would provide some "really special" facilities for the provision of sport in the city - no doubt at a special price.

Bearing in mind that the provision of affordable housing is to be incorporated into the development, we should also provide affordable sports facilities, something the institute already does.

Why mend something that is not broken? York Railway Institute is an affordable sport and recreation facility run by volunteers, where all profit is poured back for the benefit of the members.

How can any new organisation better this?

Come on, Mr Templeman, incorporate a new institute into the development and let the present organisation carry on for another 100 years.

AP Cox,

Heath Close,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:47 Thursday, January 16, 2003