CHRIS Titley's column (March 5) fascinated me because my mother-in-law said as much 50 years ago, pronouncing York people "cold".

She had arrived as a young wife from her native Scotland, to live in York when my father-in-law's work brought him here.

I couldn't possibly comment, having been born in York, lived here ever since - where property seems to be at a premium - and foresee no possibility of either a beach house or living the country dream.

Being a descendant of the Walmgate Irish probably accounts for my partiality to Colcannon mash.

Margaret Erin Lawson,

Aldborough House,

The Groves, York.

Updated: 10:35 Wednesday, March 12, 2003