I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with the traders on Micklegate and their grievances ('Ghetto' blast', January 29).

I walk down there most days and the problem with rubbish starts in Blossom Street at the fast food outlets and continues down Micklegate. It is a disgrace.

Our street environment officers walk down Micklegate regularly, apparently. We can all do that, but we want results.

Residents are fed up of the eyesore and I am sure tourists who stay in the numerous hotels at this side of town are far from impressed.

But I should put money on it all looking spick and span for Royal Ascot in 2005.

Mrs I Innes,

Scarcroft Road, York.

...MICKLEGATE has been a ghetto much longer than four years and it is steadily getting worse. But the city council is only interested in changing York, not cleaning it.

But if the Queen were to be driven down Micklegate that would be different kettle. The council would be working overtime.

It is a shame there are so many empty shops because it's a lovely walk down Micklegate. City of York Council should get get its fingers out.

Ronnie Topham,

Dale Street, York.

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, February 05, 2004