In all the fuss over the swimming pools, I can't help thinking that one question appears to have been avoided.

As York's Labour-run council was responsible for the LEA that was so highly praised in the recent OFSTED report, and for the provision of one of the best social services in the country; and one of the best housing policies, as acknowledged by the Beacon Status awarded to the council, which of these should now be underfunded to provide the money to keep the swimming pools open?

Or is the burden going to fall again on the council tax payer?

It is on this point that the Liberal Democrats, with the luxury of opposition and no responsibility, have been curiously silent.

It is time Coun Galloway and his colleagues started being a little more honest with us.

Dr. David Scott,

Department of Biology,

University of York.

Help with shopping

AS a volunteer, I wish to alert readers who may have a mobility problem - either permanent or temporary - to the service offered by Shopmobility York.

This charitable organisation offers the use of electric scooters, electric wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs in the city centre free to the user.

And if one needs someone to push them in a wheelchair for a shopping trip, Shopmobility can provide this too! We are sponsored by City of York Council, the Coppergate Centre and several well-known stores and other organisations in the city centre.

We are open from 10am until 4.45pm from Monday to Saturday and the office is on the top floor (Level 2) of Piccadilly car park, so that access is easy by car, taxi, York Wheels or on foot via the Coppergate Centre lifts. Parking is free for the first three hours and £1.60 for an additional two hours.Readers will be assured of a welcome from our friendly team of staff and volunteers. Our telephone number is 01904 679222.

N T Smith,

Volunteer at Shopmobility York,

Furnwood,

Haxby, York.

Bike track query

AS someone who firmly believes in using pedal power for local journeys, I take a great interest in watching the development of dedicated cycle tracks in this area.

A relatively frequent trip takes me from Poppleton to Acomb and I now enjoy the benefit of the new path starting at North Lane crossing the A1237 and leading into Knapton.

However I do have some misgivings. First is the need for such a track, because in the last five years I cannot recall meeting another cyclist.

Secondly, North Lane is a cul-de-sac with very little traffic and finally it is of no benefit at all in trying to cross the A1237. For a fraction of the cost of providing this particular path, the existing path from Manor School to the A1237 could have been extended from where it currently ends to the village. This is a daily route used by many schoolchildren having to compete with speeding vehicles on a busy road. There must be a logical explanation for this, but sadly it escapes me. Perhaps someone in authority can explain?

A M Holroyd,

Main Street,

Nether Poppleton,

York.

...ON visiting York for the first time I was impressed by the traditional tourist attractions, especially the Minster.

A tremendous amount of work must have gone into creating the dark caverns of the Jorvik Centre.

But what really stood out for me was York's many cycle racks.

All fully locked and stocked with their two-wheeled prisoners.

If the downside of the all powerful motor car is ever to be seriously challenged, the cycling revolution may well start in York.

Max Nottingham,

St Faith's Street,

Lincoln.

Gap in road logic

REPORTS about the A64 and the proposal to improve the eastern end of Malton bypass by closing the gap near Marrs Farm interested me.

I use this turn off at least five times a week and have not seen any near- misses, unlike at the two mini-roundabouts on Commercial Street and Mill Street which were a complete waste of money. If a slip road were to be built at the bridge before the gap at Marrs Farm it would take more traffic out of Malton and Norton centres not increase it as these proposals will.

John Hurd,

Scarborough Road,

Norton, Malton.

Mother goose's plea

She has ruffled feathers, like a frilly petticoat,

She speaks to me worriedly while she is afloat:

"I hear rumours that the humans want to cull the Rowntrees geese

"My goslings are scared that they might kill me,

"How can I make them feel at peace?

"I'm getting goose pimples just at the thought

"How can they be so mean?

"They wouldn't touch us if we were swans

"Since they belong to the Queen."

R. Lingwood and R. Miner,

Custance Walk,

Nunnery Lane,York

Scouts' big day

THE village of Nafferton, in East Yorkshire, has had a Scout troop for many years.

The present group was founded in 1975 and is celebrating its 25th anniversary in July. We would like to invite any former Nafferton Scouts who may be among your readers.

We would welcome former members whether from the 4th Driffield (Nafferton) Scouts or pre-1975 Nafferton Scouts. For more information ring 01377 255941 or e-mail DriffDC@aol.com

David Drury,

Secretary to 4th Driffield (Nafferton) Scout Group,

Lowthorpe, Driffield.