AS one of the swimmers who attended last Wednesday's council meeting about York's pools I recalled the words of Madison after the American War of Independence: "If all men were virtuous there would be no need of government."

No government - a hung council - is what York has now. Any dissident note came in the form of heckling from the councillors themselves during the excellent speech made by the two women representing the (self-controlled) mass of swimmers in the standing-room-only balcony.

The applause for Fiona Evans and her friend was sustained and probably unnerving for some of those within the chamber. Not for Mr Hills however, who left hurriedly, possibly to hide in his own special chamber as soon as Fiona entered the room.

I read your report about Fiona's abrasive manner and rudeness (June 15). She was not at all rude. Angry and frustrated, maybe, and now feeling affronted.

We do not necessarily agree with all her views, but cannot doubt her selfless and masterly compliance with democratic procedure.

We happen to be grateful, too, for the public spirited efforts made on our behalf by the previous administration. There is, however, a feeling that the boundary changes saddled York with the capricious brain child of councillors now encompassed by the York administration.

Swimmers should not have to pay for this. It would be possible, with a little creative intelligence, to make Yearsley less labour-intensive for a start.

Do I hear cries of "nonsense" and "ridiculous" from some virtual council chamber?

David Morris,

Priory Street, York.

...COUNCILLOR Rod Hills did not hear Fiona Evans saying outrageous things (June 15), because as soon as she started her most excellent speech, he rudely left the council chamber returning only to hear the last few sentences.

This appalling lack of manners from the leader of the 'listening council' not only insulted Fiona, but also the 25,000 people who signed the petition to keep the swimming pools open.

Determined to close the pools, he did not want to hear any objections.

Incidentally, could Coun Hills and his deputy Coun Merrett wear a jacket and tie instead of being tieless and in shirt sleeves? This mode of dress reflects their disdain of the city council.

G W Quinn,

Galtres Avenue,

York.