ELLA Hirst is right - there is a dearth of domestic window cleaners in the west side of the city. The days of the old chamois leather, dry duster, the double extension ladder and George Formby's hit "When I'm cleaning windows," are long gone.

There's little incentive in: "Pyjamas lying side by side, ladies nighties I've espied, I've often seen what goes inside, When I'm cleaning windows." It doesn't seem to wash with these young up and coming "domestic cleansing operatives" of tomorrow!

That kind of added perk has been thrown out with the soapy water, the tin bath and the minute face flannel. More's the pity. George would have said - "Turned out nice again, missus!"

Dale Minks,

Ancress Walk,

York.

Updated: 09:35 Wednesday, July 13, 2005