How could anyone doubt the learned head of York’s Labour Council, Coun James Alexander, when he gives reassurance to the businesses of Gillygate that they will not see a drop in trade when the coach and car park is sold off to York St John University (The Press, June 21)?

Gillygate, he says, will receive new lighting, improved paving and bins no less to reinvigorate the area. This will make the area more pleasant for the tourists to saunter along. To exactly where? Yes, York Hospital is down there, if one needs their services; Arclight Hostel for the passing vagrant maybe; possibly a historian might like to see what is left of Rowntrees, sorry, Nestlé.

I am now struggling as to why anyone but locals would want to venture down there, maybe a few swish restaurants would tempt the tourists.

Bob Waite, Windmill Rise, Holgate, York.