I WOULD like to echo the sentiment of P M Davidge (You Say, December 16) that the Royal infirmary site should not be used as a university campus. There are two compelling reasons.

First, the extra traffic generated would be horrendous.

Despite "experts" telling us differently, we all know that there would be several hundred student cars clogging up the area around the Swan Theatre, Britannia Square, Farrier Street and anywhere else that a car could be (inconveniently) deposited.

Witness the traffic problems during term time caused by the Royal Grammar, Alice Ottley and King's schools, then double it and make it last from 8am - 5pm rather than just morning and evening.

Secondly, the city desperately needs reinforcement of its commercially vibrant heart on the northern edge, and by that I mean activities that bring wealth creation, commerce, business and so on - restaurants, shops, theatres, offices, and above all a decent four-star hotel.

Large educational establishments do not need to be within the commercial heart of the city and would (as Mr Davidge suggests) merely downgrade the north side of the city into a dull and miserable ghetto.

Worcester deserves better - let's not throw away the opportunity.

RICK JOHNS,

Worcester.