THE provision of decent public conveniences in York has been a matter for debate ever since the aldermen first provided a four-seat riverside privy in 1607.

Today our "houses of easement" are less basic, but still a cause of comment. Our pre-Ascot survey found the toilets in Museum Gardens much improved, but rubbish and graffiti scarring others.

We hope some of the money being spent to smarten up the city for the racing festival will go to improve our loos.

Although it is improbable that the royal party would use them, that shouldn't prevent us from providing thrones fit for a king or a queen.

Updated: 11:18 Friday, May 27, 2005