The City of York Council proposes to build a cycle track across Low Moor/Walmgate Stray to the University. It is not so difficult to imagine that the timing, so soon after we learn of the changes in status of Imphal Barracks, is not a coincidence.

The university and housing associations are always seeking to develop and looking for buildings to adapt. Purchase of empty Army houses and singles' quarters between Fulford Road and Broadway would "require" access. A lighted, paved cycle track across open land technically becomes a highway and the land thus becomes available for development.

It could be my nightmare, but the university campus stands on once-open land, valued and appreciated by those who walked there. Is Low Moor destined to become part of the campus, a massive housing estate or yet another shopping centre?

We need to know that this little patch of green will never be lost to concrete, that the frogs and toads will not have to try to spawn in a car park and that Mr Prescott's skylarks will continue to be heard.

Mr J A Bone,

Danum Road,

Fulford.

...I support plans for a walking and cycle route over Walmgate Stray. Sustrans aims to link the Millennium Bridge to the University and Heslington. Once established, many people would use this long, traffic-free route. Its enhanced safety, particularly by day, compared with the roads is much needed as speeds are currently far too fast. There is a 40mph limit on Heslington Lane which should urgently be reduced to 30mph or lower.

A new raised path would enhance the enjoyment of walkers, particularly in winter as there would be fewer problems with mud.

Many cyclists would be crossing the stray today if styles could be replaced by gates. Remember, cycles are a benign form of transport. They are quiet, fuelled by food and therefore sustainable.

Traffic is the number one problem in York according to Local Agenda 21 research. Here is an opportunity both to enhance access and reduce motorised traffic volumes.

This route supports the objectives of York's Local Plan. It is also important to increase access to the University, which has limited parking of 1,500 spaces, yet is expanding to campus three.

I urge readers to actively support the Walmgate Stray path by writing to City of York Council, Environment Planning and Building Control, 9 St Leonard's, York.

Anna Semlyen,

York Cycle Campaign

Grange St

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.