I had cause to visit the gents' public toilets in Parliament Street, York, twice over the festive period.

The first time was on Sunday, December 18, 2005. In spite of a large presence of council employees, the urinals were blocked and almost overflowing, there was about 2cm of liquid on the floor, no paper towels in the dispensers, the bins were completely full and the stench was overpowering.

My second visit was on New Year's Day, only to find the toilet was locked with a note on the door advising people to use the night toilet. Other public toilets in the city were similarly closed.

I would have hoped for better in a city that promotes itself to tourism and is also a magnet for shoppers.

Is this really the standard of service that our city council strives to achieve? Surely we council tax payers deserve more?

Gary Flakes,

St Swithin's Walk,

Holgate,York

Updated: 10:05 Saturday, January 07, 2006