BORN and bred in York, and still living in this fine city, I have seen many changes. Not many for the better.

I won’t be specific, but gone are the days when one could walk into the city centre and be sure to meet friends/relations. Now it is more often that the people who speak proper York are in a minority.

My purpose in writing is not to depress readers by my grumbles, but to congratulate City of York Council on its work this year. The parks department has provided a splendid display throughout the city.

Particularly impressive are the boxes around Clifford’s Tower, stunning. I send a strong message of thanks to the staff who have provided so much pleasure in a time of such economic gloom. Molly Wareham, Linton Road, Nether Poppleton, York.