HUGH Bayley has finally put his head above the battlements regarding the issue of planning permission granted to Land Securities for the Coppergate Riverside Development. His comments are interesting.

Having previously stated that he could not comment on local planning decisions, he goes on to do just that. As a Government Minister (albeit a junior one), he has access to other ministers who could authorise the inquiry and challenge the council decision.

He was elected to represent the views of all the citizens of York, most of whom have indicated their opposition in many polls to the council's plans for redeveloping of the Coppergate site. This council has a habit of riding roughshod over the wishes of its residents, surely we do not expect this of the elected representative in Parliament.

The next round of national and local elections could prove very interesting.

J Calpin,

Langholme Drive, York.

...DAVE Dee's comment with regard to Coppergate Riverside, about not wanting glass and cement, takes the biscuit. Look at his Banana Warehouse - surely even glass and concrete would look much better.

It would be interesting to know how many opponents to the scheme bothered to go and inspect the plans and models. My wife and I did and found the final scheme to be excellent, just what the city needs if it is to be regarded as an attractive shopping centre.

How can 2,500 objectors be regarded as the majority of York residents? The only people I can think of who have a just cause for complaint are the pigeons living in the car park next to the new Travel Lodge hotel, because they will be looking for a new home.

Trevor Smith,

Gorse Hill,

Dunnington, York.

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, January 25, 2001