THE news that the fiasco of the roadworks on the A64 at Copmanthorpe is to continue is disappointing but not a surprise (Evening Press, November 23).

It is all a question of cost. Cost to the economy of York particularly but also to communities further east. But it is also the Highways Agency's cost of its contract. The agency doesn't want to exceed that despite the impact that its mismanagement is having.

So where is this Government agency accountable? It is certainly accountable in Whitehall. So what is York's MP Hugh Bayley doing? He is going to Pakistan! He ought to sit on the minister's doorstep until he obtains more money for the work so that temporary dualling can be provided.

David Ashton,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 10:42 Monday, December 03, 2001