THE "horrendous" state of York sewers has got Terry Bamber kicking up a stink with the council.

The self-appointed "drain-spotter" says he and a pal have made several complaints over the city centre waste system at a number of key tourist sites.

But despite a string of clean-up calls to City of York Council, Mr Bamber claims work keeps being stalled - which he says is leaving a nasty whiff hanging over the city.

The Skeldergate resident, 49, said: "About three or four months ago I reported the drains outside NatWest bank.

"They are still chock-a-block with rubbish and they stink. During the summer the stench was horrendous. I've noticed a few on Bishop-thorpe Road overflowing with debris.

"There's a drain under Skelder-gate bridge that had weeds half-a-metre tall growing out of it."

He also reported a drain near the city's Shambles as being packed with pigeon excrement.

Mr Bamber claims he spoke to a council officer who said his complaints had led to gullies being emptied twice a year rather than annually.

The "drain-spotter" added: "This is something that has been swept under the carpet over the years and now the council is being forced to have another look at the problem.

"It's long overdue."

Council drains manager Glen Peters said extra cash was recently set aside to increase the number of times surface drains were cleaned.

He said: "The council is responsible for all surface water drains in the city.

"Depending on their location - for example proximity to trees - the gullies are cleaned once or twice a year.

"We have recently injected an additional £20,000 to increase the frequency of cleaning.

"However, we are aware that drains can and do become blocked and we respond to any complaints within 24 hours."

He added that underground sewage drains in the city were Yorkshire Water's responsibility.

But Mr Bamber said occasional clean-ups were not enough for a place the size of York.

The city centre worker added: "It's not an adequate service when you look at what the council is spending on other things.

"People have noticed the smell. Bands playing in the square have complained. Something needs to be done."

Updated: 08:31 Wednesday, October 29, 2003