We have felt it necessary to revoke our joint membership of English Heritage in protest at the spinelessness of the organisation in failing to oppose the building of a tawdry shopping centre at Clifford's Tower in York.

While the majority of people in York strongly oppose this so-called development, the council has seen fit to disregard their wishes and side with the developers. It was rejected by traders and the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. It was condemned by environmental groups, architects, Jewish groups and ordinary members of the public. Messages of opposition to the building came from all over the world, as has been reported in the Evening Press.

In this climate of almost unanimous protest, one would expect English Heritage, who are the custodians of Clifford's Tower, to have added their voice of disapproval and to campaign stridently against this vandalism by Land Securities in cahoots with disgraced council members.

It saddens us greatly to find that English Heritage did not oppose the proposals which will see new, alien-looking buildings built-up right next to Clifford's Tower, closing in around it and ruining forever the views of the ancient building from all directions. We expected more from our councillors and we expected more from English Heritage.

We have therefore withdrawn our support for English Heritage, rescinding our membership, and we call upon similarly disgusted York citizens to do the same. This is not over yet.

Christine Benney and Dave Taylor,

New Walk Terrace, York.