THE University of York seems intent on absorbing the York City archives and the Borthwick archives, but these have been deposited by the citizens and churches of York for the use of the descendants of these same people.

The archives belong do not belong to the council but to us, the citizens of York, who pay for them with our council taxes. York council has no right to dispose of them.

Many researchers are retired. They have enthusiasm, expertise and time, but little money. They either cycle into town or make a trip combining shopping with research and cannot afford the fares, or time, to spend a whole day at the university.

Strange that young, fit students, here for three years only, cannot cycle into York. Help preserve our heritage for future generations of York .

Mary F Malden Owen,

Hamilton Drive, York.

Updated: 12:25 Thursday, March 28, 2002