THE observation that the drains at the back of Daysfoot Court, York, are not cleaned regularly by City of York Council is accurate (Letters, March 12).

The reason is that, while this part of Daysfoot Court can be classed as a public highway, it has not been adopted and is therefore maintained at private, rather than public, expense.

Any resident concerned about highway drainage problems can seek advice by contacting York Pride action line on 551551.

But in this particular case it would be inappropriate for the council to spend public money carrying out routine maintenance.

Doing so would divert resources away from public highways, for which the council does have responsibility.

Paul Thackray,

Head of highways and street operations,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place,

York.

Updated: 11:59 Wednesday, March 24, 2004