AS PREDICTED despite my prompting, City of York Council failed utterly to embrace the nation’s outpouring of respect for the Queen by not flying the Union Flag from its many buildings during the four days of celebrations.

It is astonishing to think that neither of the city’s two senior public servants, namely Labour leader Coun James Alexander and chief executive Kersten England, could not give the order to hoist the flag.

So if the sovereign’s Diamond Jubilee does not merit the flying of the flag, I wonder what future landmark event will deserve such recognition?

What is the purpose of an empty flagpole?

I guarantee, however, the new multimillion-pound council HQ at Station Rise will have one fitted.

Looking around the city, congratulations must go to the Bar Convent, Aviva, Cedar Spa, Royal York and Grange Hotels, Danesmead House, the fire station and many more hotels, pubs, businesses and restaurants – too many to mention.

“Nul points” are awarded to the council, St Leonard’s Place in particular, together with the Law Courts, York Register Office, and the Minster among others.

Geoffrey Widdows, East Mount Road, York.