IN response to "Tourism chief joins greeters", (July 15), is Gillian Cruddas not aware that there are tour guides already in the city centre, who not only give first-hand information to all visitors, and residents, but also keep the streets clean?

These people go under the name of street cleaners. They do not carry booklets or brochures, although they do sweep every one of them up.

In their heads is knowledge of city shops and historic places, also the quickest way for tourists to get back to their coaches. They look on it as part of the job they do. This is done with pride and a smile.

P J Markwick,

Forge Close,

Jockey Lane, York.

Updated: 11:18 Thursday, July 22, 2004