LETTERS in The Press of July 21 join others published earlier to bemoan quite rightly the state of York streets and open areas.

Two of these problems are linked: the grass left behind when grass verges are cut has to go somewhere and most of it is eventually washed into the drainage system, where it then blocks up the drains and requires further action by other council staff to clear it.

As to the state of the pavements, King’s Square the other morning was so filthy that it looked as though it had been down for years instead of a few weeks. Yet while in Bournemouth two weeks ago a square there laid with much the same flooring was almost pristine and it has been there for many years.

Something is seriously wrong with way the council maintains its streets and their environs. When I complain directly I am told either they have always done it this way or they don’t have enough money.

Management needs to get a firm grip, supervise staff and ensure that when work is done it is done thoroughly, regularly and within the law.

After all, if citizens left their garden waste in the street we would be liable to prosecution by the selfsame council that does exactly that every time they cut the verges.

Keith Woodland, Galtres Road, York.