"WHAT'S this about a blasted heath?" That's Coun Ann Reid's term for a green space between Clifford's Tower and the Foss.

Didn't people make that their priority at the Open Forum last October?

Yes, that was the overwhelming wish. However, the council invites Land Securities to put up shops on the west bank. Then we can have what's left. The silver birches will have to go, as well as the view of the river bank.

I don't agree with that. Surely, the owners of the land should decide, not property developers? People of York, you own the land. It's time to make your voice heard. Do you want a green open space from Clifford's Tower to the river, with the silver birches setting off the shops on the Piccadilly side?

Tell the planners what you want for your city. Write to 9 St Leonard's Place by Friday.

Monica Nelson,

Custance Walk,

York.

Updated: 09:11 Tuesday, October 11, 2005