I READ with interest Coun Derek Smallwood's comments about the state of the becks around the York area (November 5), which used to be under the supervision and responsibility of the Internal Drainage Board.

It would be lovely to see all York becks and surrounding areas free of rubbish, especially Tang Hall Beck which flows into the River Foss.

It is an eyesore and visitors to this lovely city are appalled at the state of the river plus the dirt from the becks.

Barbara Pettitt,

Rosemary Place,

Walmgate,

York.

...GREAT idea, Coun Derek Smallwood, clean the becks. Please make sure the rubbish is taken away, not left for years stacked up near the beck grid side on Holgate Road.

Years ago I spoke to a workman cleaning the beck-grid to be told it wasn't his job to remove the rubbish. It makes a sight.

Mrs P M Clarkson,

Springfield Court,

Holgate Road,

York.

Updated: 11:25 Monday, November 12, 2001