A new report says we don't get enough public holidays in the UK. Reporter MATTHEW WOODCOCK got the views of people on the streets of York.

TRADITIONALLY it's the perfect time to do some DIY, head to the coast, or simply put your feet up.

Can we never get enough of the Bank Holiday lifestyle - or could there ever be too much of a good thing ?

A new report has found Britain lags way behind its European counterparts in how many Bank Holidays we enjoy each year.

Despite putting in Europe's longest working weeks, the UK has only eight Bank Holidays compared to 16 in Italy, 14 in Germany and Spain and 11 in France.

Now the national Campaign For More Bank Holidays aims to lobby the Government into creating three more breaks for Brits.

Opinions were divided over he issue among people in York.

Teacher Dave Brown, 30, of Holgate, York said: "I get lots of holidays because of my profession but most people are not that fortunate. One view is that Bank Holidays affect the output of our workforce but I think they are good for workforce morale."

Ruth Holgate, 32, works for Teamwork Marketing in York and spends a typical Bank Holiday relaxing at home. She said: "I think we should definitely have more public holidays. We are supposed to be falling in line with the rest of Europe but you wouldn't think so."

Marion Olsen, of York, said: "It would be nice to have more Bank Holidays but a lot of people don't even take all their annual leave."

Shaun Parker, of Wigginton, York, said: "If we are supposed to be part of Europe then we should get the same holidays as them. It's not fair that we should get less."

But many DIY shoppers at Sainsbury's Homebase store in Foss Bank, York, felt we already have too much time off.

Cynthia Edwards, 80, of Strensall, York, said: "We have far too many holidays already. When me and my husband were young we had to work around the clock. People have got too much spare time these days."

Harold King, 78, of Dunnington, York, said: "I don't think people work too much these days. We have enough Bank Holidays as it is."

Chief executive of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, Roland Harris, said: "Potential problems could arise if they were increased. If you are in a production cycle then closing on a public holiday could create some difficulties.

"Businesses in general would not necessarily be in favour of further Bank Holidays."

PICTURE: Ruth Holgate: relaxes at home; Marion Olsen: more holidays would be nice; Shaun Parker: should get European holidays; Cynthia Edwards: far too many holidays.