A YORK man whose wall was knocked down by a reversing motorist has made a final plea to City of York Council - because another wall is on the brink of collapse.

Paul Croft, 50, of Clay Place, Acomb, says he is at his "wits' end" because two brick walls in front of his house have been hit 17 times in ten years by motorists manoeuvring in his cul-de-sac.

Since one wall was completely knocked down two weeks ago, two more knocks has left the other cracked and weakened.

Mr Croft says he has asked the council's highway department to consider putting in a bollard or warning signs to protect his walls.

Now he is so worried about the effect of the matter on his wife Keiko, he has vowed to take the matter to his MP if the council does not respond.

Mr Croft said: "I'm at my wits' end with it all and my wife is worried every time a car turns round.

"People say it's only a brick wall, but it's been touched up so many times if it's knocked again it'll be knocked down completely."

Mr Croft claims he will have to pay £50 excess to have the damage repaired on his insurance. This follows £3,000 on building the walls following similar damage to wooden fences, conifers and a gate.

Mrs Croft said: "I feel on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

"People tell us to move, but why should we move? It's not our fault, we haven't done anything wrong. It's just because of a badly designed cul-de-sac and bad driving skills. I try and always keep an eye on who is turning round in the cul-de-sac, but it's impossible to watch 24-hours-a-day."

A City of York Council spokesman said: "I am unable to confirm whether our director of environment and development services has received word of

this latest complaint.

"However, the fact remains that this is an issue of poor driving which Mr Croft should take up with the police and then listen to their advice.

"If Mr Croft and his neighbours feel there is a general issue about this cul-de-sac then, as we have already stated, he should get together with neighbours and raise it through the ward committee."

Updated: 08:59 Friday, May 16, 2003