HOW very sad that there have been so many letters sent to you by York residents bemoaning the fact that Ascot will take place on Knavesmire in June.

"We don't want our road closed; traffic problems will be chaotic; cycles will have problems; residents will have to put up with noise, pollution, etc" are all put forward by disgruntled York residents.

York Racecourse is the second best course in England and it is a privilege to have Ascot here while work is being done in the south.

We shall have a large array of great horses taking part, and a great chance to see our great royals.

Admittedly, I don't live in York but, even if I did, I should be delighted to savour this great occasion.

The only minus I can detect is the fact that many hoteliers are hiking up their prices and being greedy.

Let's hope the sun shines in June for such an historic event.

Bryan R Lawson,

Burton Fields Road,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 12:43 Saturday, April 16, 2005