I HAVE to respond to Mark Waudby's letter inviting people who spot a problem to ring the council and report it (Letters, February 19) by asking him: ''Why?"

Based on my experience, contacting the council is a sheer waste of valuable time.

During the past two years, I have contacted said telephone number on 28 separate occasions to complain about a potentially life-threatening problem, which contravenes the Disability Discrimination Act and York's own 'safer routes to school' policy.

In addition to this, I have written to the chief executive and to the leader of the council. Many other residents have also taken similar actions.

The result, an annual assurance that the matter will be considered at a future planning meeting.

I have considered requesting that a cycle track be put through the problem area. That would cause even more problems. But at least I'd be sure of some action.

Liz Edge,

Parkside Close, York.

Updated: 10:17 Tuesday, February 22, 2005