CITY of York Council's cycle strategy recognises the need for additional secure cycle parking in the city centre, preferably not far from the station. Ideally, this should include a repair and hire shop.

The former substation at Lendal Bridge is ideally located for this, yet as reported (Cycle Park Plan ditched, The Press, October 18) officers are recommending selling this off on the open market, with officers "looking for alternative locations". Where might these be? Why will they be any more viable?

Yet again the council is to sell off assets needed for a community facility, purely because they don't have the vision to look beyond the short-term financial return.

Before selling on the open market, the council should be looking nationally and locally for an operator who wants to use these premises to provide the facility identified as needed in the cycle strategy.

A significant proportion of the costs identified in the study will need to be spent by any occupant of this building, eg for disabled access and service connections - these enhancements will increase the value of the property and should not be set against the likely income of the operation (as they have been in the study to suggest it would not be viable).

I urge the Liberal Democrats to grasp this opportunity, not send it the way of the Barbican pool and the Bonding Warehouse.

Councillor Andy D'Agorne, Green Party, Broadway West, York.