SADLY we know that City of York Council has had to make hard choices to try to balance their books.

We know that their purse has been squeezed by George Osborne and we know that even he could blame the global economy or the forces of international capitalism. Nevertheless, it seems sad that our lovely Glen Gardens will not look as good next year as it has done this summer.

The leaves are unswept, the gates unclosed and no doubt the paths unsanded for the elderly citizens of Heworth when the snow comes.

It is also regrettable that the gardener who has worked untiringly to maintain the gardens and who has been part of the community has been despatched to work that will not be so fulfilling for him, while he sees the gardens gently decay. His cheerful presence is already missed.

Liz Maynard, Bull Lane, Heworth, York.