COUN Lancelott questions why York people think that all street level improvements are being undertaken as a result of the Ascot race meeting coming to York this year (Letters, April 28).

Perhaps it is because his Lib Dem group on the council have excluded the elected representatives from the wards most affected by the Ascot arrangements from the planning of the preparations, and failed to adequately consult with local residents.

Instead they have presented local ward councillors and residents with faits accomplis on key issues.

Moreover, long-promised resident's parking schemes, which might have helped protect local residents from Ascot parking, other local traffic schemes and local ward committee work is all going by the board as Coun Galloway directs all resources to his priorities for Ascot.

This has led to those very interested parties feeling they have been taken for granted, with all decisions being taken over their heads.

Why were local residents not consulted over the decision to open Terry Avenue to taxis, or local businesses in South Bank not properly asked their views on the "traffic exclusion zone" for the duration of the Ascot meeting for instance?

All in all, this has been a further example of the arrogant approach of the council's Lib Dem leader and executive and is symptomatic of the "we know best" attitude of Coun Lancelott's group.

While we have always supported the hosting of the Ascot meeting in the city, we have stressed this should not be at the undue inconvenience and expense of the people of York.

Driven by pride it certainly is - or, perhaps, conceit!

Coun Dave Evans,

Coun Sandy Fraser,

Coun Dave Merrett,

Micklegate ward Labour councillors,

The Guildhall, York.

Updated: 09:53 Friday, May 06, 2005