I WRITE in response to your excellent feature about York's potential bid to become the European City of Culture (August 22).

As a local businessman, active within York for nearly ten years, I write with the businessperson's point of view - from the dozens of local managing directors I have spoken to, I have heard nothing but enthusiasm. The view of business is that we must bid, and put together a comprehensive and passionate bid too.

As a life-long citizen of York, I would be proud to live in the European Capital of Culture. I visited Glasgow during its tenure, and it was great to see the extra art, design, theatre, music, and heritage that the year would bring.

I also think that going through the process of applying will itself do York a great amount of good. It would make the city feel better about itself, even if we did not win.

The business case is unavoidable. It would be great for York. It would be good business. Glasgow spent £32 million, but they still made a profit of £14 million.

York would not have to spend anywhere near as much as Glasgow - we do not have the problems they had to rectify.

Think of the existing cultural heritage we already have here on a massive scale. Think also of the extra business and jobs it would bring too - all the festivals, extra visitors by the thousands, extra attractions and customers. That can only be a good thing.

I urge the York Leisure Partnership to put together a bid as soon as possible. Let's start talking York up - we've got a lot to offer, and if you don't ask, you don't get.

Paul Blanchard,

Managing Director,

The Software People,

Norman Court,

Grape Lane,

York.

Updated: 09:58 Monday, August 27, 2001