York council tax payers will be concerned to know that the council, already some £8 million in debt and promising again to cut staff and services and increase the council tax, has committed itself to borrowing up to £2.5 million pounds for the Northern Gateway scheme.

The capital challenge bid for this did not receive funding or grants from the Government. Instead it allowed York Council to borrow more money - but only a mere £2.5 million.

Is this £2.5 million included within the present £8 million debt or is it yet to appear in the accounts?

How many householders would overdraw to this extent knowing they would have to make significant cutbacks? As the purchase in mind - a 1,000-space car park - was so strongly opposed by the citizens of York, who will have to service the council's debt? It is time for the council to cut back on the Northern Gateway scheme. Not building it at all will reduce the burden on council tax payers.

D M Paterson,

Ings View,

Shipton Road,

York.

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