Your report correctly identified our intentions to invest in sporting facilities at Heworth Green (Evening Press, March 29). However, I wish to correct any impression that the college has in mind an 'exclusive' pattern of investment. It is the college's intention to always combine provision of the best facilities for its students with enhancement of those available to the community. However, and whenever possible, the college will make these enhanced facilities available to the people of York.

This is in line with the college's mission and consistent with the encouragement by the Higher Education Funding Council (Hefce) that institutions should provide cultural and sports facilities to the public. The College of Ripon and York constantly looks to benefit the city. The considerable investment in, and provision of, these facilities is one aspect.

The new residential accommodation planned is another dimension: increasing the attractiveness of York to students and emphasising further our identity as a learning city. These two significant investments will bring benefits to the college. We intend to benefit the city, its economy and residents.

Professor William A Wardle,

Deputy Principal,

College of Ripon & York.

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