HAVING lived in South Bank for more than 50 years, I always believed the Shambles were in the city centre.

However, for three days last August they were transported to the South Bank area.

I attended the Micklegate Ward committee meeting on February 28 and, having seen Bill Woolley's plans for traffic (mis)management in the area for Royal Ascot, it soon became apparent the Shambles will be on the move again in June, but this time for five days.

Residents of the South Bank area, particularly Bishopthorpe Road, South Bank Avenue, Trafalgar Street, Mount Vale and roads off, including St Georges Place, be warned: chaos will descend upon you.

So I offer all residents affected by these plans my Royal Ascot prayer.

If you live near the racecourse start now to pray,

That it starts to rain on the last day of May,

Pray that it won't stop any time soon

Preferably at tea time on the 18th of June.

Remember November four years just past,

Jet skis on the Knavesmire. Didn't they go fast?

O Lord we beseech you, save us from this nightmare,

And say to Royal Ascot, sod off go elsewhere.

P Newton,

Montague Street,

York.

Updated: 11:33 Saturday, March 12, 2005