I WAS saddened by the news that the Lord Mayor, Councillor Charles Hall, has refused to back the Rod Hills Memorial Fund because of recent allegations made by a former prostitute (October 22).

Maybe there would not be doubt in his mind if these allegations had not been so dramatically publicised on the front page of the Evening Press.

Who is this Julie Long anyway, who claims to have had her "life saved" by Mr Hills? And if he did indeed help her in any way, what kind of way is this to repay him?

I was brought up to have respect for those I care for and for those not with us anymore.

I'm disgusted at the allegations she has made, at the way the Press made it so public, and also at the Lord Mayor for believing everything he reads.

No one seems to spare a thought for the fact that these claims are unjustified and, in my opinion immoral, given that the accused cannot actually defend himself anymore.

My heart goes out to the family left behind; how on earth can they be coping with all of this? I too lost my father and know how hard it is to have to start coping without that special person there anymore.

It's just such a shame that this family cannot be left alone and Rod Hills left to rest in peace.

Miss L Sutcliffe,

Westlands Grove,

Stockton Lane, York.

Updated: 11:33 Saturday, November 01, 2003