Microsoft Minster? Never!

That experience would not have been diminished in any way had I been asked to pay admission. I gladly paid the "camera fee". My friend Patrice and I were surprised that it was free to get in.

It would be a huge mistake to have some American corporation sponsor the Minster.

While the money is sorely needed, the inevitable commercialisation would be unbearable. I am an American and have seen first-hand how big companies take over landmarks and ruin them.

Several baseball parks have taken corporate money and lost their identities. Historic "Candlestick Park" in San Francisco became "3Com Park".

The Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati is now Cinergy Field. And I'm sure the Houston Astros are thinking twice about the name of their stadium - Enron Field.

I'm sure the money is tempting, but the results would be disastrous. The Minster would lose its identity and that would be a crime.

I hope you can find another way to raise funds. If a collection is being taken, I'll be glad to donate. I don't ever want to see "The Microsoft York Minster".

Beth Hunt,

Seaboard Avenue,

Atlanta,

Georgia,

USA.

...IN view of falling visitor numbers predicted for York it is time for this city to stop being complacent and look to the following likely deterrents to would-be visitors:

1. The imposition of a charge to enter the Minster.

2. The closure of the Barbican Centre.

3. The failure to go ahead with extra facilities planned for Coppergate.

4. The failure to provide sufficient convenient car parking.

5. The failure to provide imaginative entertainment and pleasant recreational areas for visitors and residents and for children.

6. The failure to provide good, cheap public transport.

I could add to the list and I'm sure other readers could too.

Finally, why is York so impoverished that it is constantly having to sell off essential assets?

Bad handling of finances?

Other, smaller towns do better.

Jean Frost,

Elmpark Way, York.

Updated: 09:11 Saturday, January 26, 2002