THIS is an historic year for York with celebrations to mark our 800th year as a city and the chance to play our part in events such as the Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee.

I hope the Labour council does not continue to undermine these celebrations.

Since taking office Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure and culture, has presided over one fiasco after another. Last Christmas, she oversaw the Winter Wonderland event which was beset with angry parents, disappointed kids and wage disputes. Six months later, it is unclear if the council has actually been paid the £2,500 it is still owed in rent.

No more than 150 residents attended the lighting of the Jubilee Beacon on Bachelor Hill. It would have been more if different websites had not been listing different locations.

Residents were left waiting in St Helen’s Square for an event that happened two miles away. Council staff did an excellent job with the blacksmith making an impressive beacon. It is a shame not one Labour councillor attended this historic event.

Now Labour has U-turned and announced residents attending the Olympic Torch celebrations at York Racecourse will need a ticket.

Even the publicity was wrong, saying the event would take place on the July 19. Anyone arriving on that date will be disappointed as the torch is in Kent that day; the York event takes place on June 19.

Coun Ann Reid, Grassholme, Woodthorpe, York.