THE article on the Holgate Windmill ('Windmill gets 'hair net' aid', October 21) was very interesting.

As one of the two Labour councillors who supported this project from Christine Bramwell's first tentative inquiries some years ago, I believe this is a good example of some of the excellent work undertaken by the Ward Committees (formerly Neighbourhood Forums).

From a resident's phone call, to residents' support of requests for financial help, through to ongoing support in fund raising etc we now have an interesting part of York's history right here in Holgate.

This attracts city and country-wide interest.

I sincerely hope this sort of interest will not be discouraged by the comments made by our local councillor at a recent ward meeting where reference was made to a vetting procedure to ensure applications for ward funds were "in line with council policy."

I remind Holgate councillors that, in this ward, meetings have always been held with decisions being taken by the people and for the people.

Liz Edge,

Parkside Close, York.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, October 25, 2003