CITY of York Council and homesless centre Arc Light are either extremely bad promoters or are wilfully withholding information from York residents and owners of city properties.

Posting leaflets through the doors of houses on Newborough Street is no guarantee the owners or residents of the properties will receive the information.

The council is fully aware that many of the properties are rented to students of York St John College and many properties are empty at this time of year. The council is also aware that many properties are owned and managed by people, like myself, living outside the city.

No one from York council or Arc Light has informed me of their plans. Why choose August, of all the months, to disseminate politically explosive information if it is not done to prevent most people finding out? Indeed, what was the point in arranging an exhibition of these proposals without ensuring most property owners in the affected area were notified?

I stumbled upon the Evening Press article 'Arc Light Day' on Saturday evening and that is the first time I have encountered this proposal, which was obviously too late. Why?

Is this just a lack of professionalism and courtesy or is there something more sinister to hide?

Simon Thackray,

Brawby, Malton.

Updated: 11:17 Friday, August 19, 2005