The recent publication of Haxby Memorial Hall Trustees' Huf Haus redevelopment plan has clearly caused considerable concern among local residents.

Consequently, on July 21, the members of Haxby Local History Group wrote to the trustees urging them to include in their options for consultation the one most residents have always supported.

This is to retain and refurbish the whole of the original board school and master's house and develop the new facilities by extending to the rear. Behind the present hall is a large, derelict area crying out to be exploited.

The suggestion is based on our own views and those of the many locals who have contacted us as individuals. It is also strongly supported by the trustee's own research. In their earlier questionnaire to all Haxby households, of 2207 responses, 66 per cent wanted to retain the present building or retain and extend it, while only 17 per cent wanted to demolish and replace it.

This majority opinion was reinforced in a packed public meeting in July 2003 when plans to replace the hall with a mainly glass building were overwhelmingly rejected. Opinions printed in your columns recently confirm that nothing has happened since to alter public opinion.

Setting aside the historical importance of the building and its key contribution to the character of the conservation area, the trustees are there to represent the views of the majority of Haxby residents.

If they adopted the option we suggest most residents would unite behind their efforts and rapid progress could be made towards the redevelopment most of us want to see.

F T Smith,

Ashwood,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 11:21 Friday, August 12, 2005