THE city cleansing department is to be congratulated on keeping the centre of York clean enough to be shortlisted for an award (February 28).

However, can this same department also consider the critical first impressions visitors form as they approach York?

The cleanliness of trunk roads such as the A64 has deteriorated in recent years, as has the ring road whose verge sides are now regularly a litter-strewn eyesore.

I would also have thought a clean ring road would help make the council-sponsored Park and Ride concept a more attractive option for visitors and thereby swell council coffers.

David Farnsworth,

Old Orchard,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, March 05, 2003