THANK you for illustrating the hideous building proposed for Haxby's main street. If anything is out of keeping with the ambience and aspirations of our town then this is it.

The hard-working trustees are not stupid or ill-informed and they will have access to information that we are not privy to. That does not mean they are in step with the sentiment of the local population.

In all probability the building is beyond redemption but there is nothing wrong with that wonderfully unusual and interesting faade that a bit of TLC would not put right.

The only answer is to retain that delightful "kerb-appeal"; gut the rest and find a sympathetic architect without a rampant ego to satisfy.

Future generations can then enjoy the new amenities but will not rue the day we purposely destroyed the nature of the place.

Les Woosey,

Walmer Carr,

Wigginton, York

Updated: 10:10 Tuesday, August 16, 2005