THE snapshot Mr Mortimer gives of life on Micklegate is distorted (Letters, June 30).

There has been considerable improvement on Micklegate over the past few years - a combination of hard work by cleansing staff and a business community which is increasingly taking a pride in the street.

But although maintenance standards can always be improved, the behaviour of some patrons of pubs and clubs may take longer to reform.

If Mr Mortimer (or anyone else) sees a cleansing problem, please ring 551551 (the York Pride hotline). If you see an example of criminal behaviour, log it with the police.

The cost and benefits of Royal Ascot have been debated at length. As has been explained on many occasions, the bill is being met a by a regional development grant.

So this is good Yorkshire thrift as far as local taxpayers are concerned.

And the benefits? York's council tax levels are subsidised by car parking so the more visitors we have the lower the tax bill. At present we have the tenth lowest council tax in the country.

York continues to enjoy a greater choice of leisure and restaurant options than similar-sized cities elsewhere as a result of visitor numbers, and the millions of pounds spent with local firms will circulate through the local economy helping to secure local jobs.

If that isn't enough, then the thousands of local residents who attended had a great time and will have pleasant memories for many years.

This too must be worth something.

Coun David Livesley,

Lang Road,

Bishopthorpe,

York.

Updated: 10:05 Tuesday, July 05, 2005