I WRITE to voice my grave concerns to the proposed Coppergate Riverside development.

I fully understand and support the ongoing need for retail development within York, which is both appropriate and advantageous to residents and visitors alike.

York is one of the finest historical cities in the country and a balance must always be maintained between retail development and the historical beauty.

As a lifelong citizen of York I am proud of our local businesses where service integrity and commitment to detail is very evident.

I am dismayed to find this under threat by shops owned by multi-national companies where interest is driven by profit alone.

Alongside this, York will witness and experience increased congestion, a far greater level of noise and a higher risk of pollution, which will affect our health and cause erosion to our historical buildings.

I suggest a more appropriate proposal would be to continue to enjoy the open space around Clifford's Tower and use the Piccadilly area for much-needed residential and office accommodation.

Stephen Richardson,

Moor Way,

Huntington,

York.