I MUST respond to the letters from Ann Reid (April 14) and Alison Shrimpton (April 16).

Liberal Democrat councillors and local shopkeepers have dealt a savage blow to the people who will eventually occupy the Tenneco site and to existing residents, while conveniently failing to answer the points raised in my letter of March 23.

I actually stated that there will ultimately be more than 600 new houses on Manor Lane, but have been misquoted on this.

I have been heartened by the support I have received from local people who want to see retail facilities on Manor Lane.

It is these same people who are concerned at the significant increase in traffic along what is only a country lane that the Tenneco development will cause. There are many people in Rawcliffe who find it difficult to get to nearby shops.

Will local shopkeepers bend over backwards to provide a service to the elderly and disabled soon to be encompassed in the Tenneco site?

I have no allegiance to political parties, nor do I have any business interest in the Tenneco site.

D Lewis,

Shipton Road,

York.

Updated: 11:04 Friday, April 26, 2002