DO your readers realise they can apply to City of York Council for a grant to smarten up their street? The grant is underwritten, in part, by Government funds.

One such scheme under consideration is for Clifton Dale, off Clifton Green.

It is a quiet cul-de-sac of about 20 houses mostly in the £200,000-plus value category.

The scheme allows for narrowing the entry and provides for four small bays, two of which will contain a park bench seat.

It will also displace a few car parking spaces used by nearby guest houses, forcing those cars on to the much busier Clifton Green cut-through to Clifton Bridge.

This little enterprise will cost at least £10,000 according to a council official. Street rumours put it much higher. Perhaps readers would care to propose their own pet schemes in the private and voluntary sector to utilise £10,000 of their hard-earned taxes for hopefully a wider benefit. I will make a start by nominating York District Sports Council and/or other sports organisations to provide coaching and development for the city's young sports people.

Chris Houseman,

Water End,

Clifton,

York.