S McCLAREN and subsequent writers (Letters, August 14) have suggested that a memorial to Richard III might be placed where the now disused fountain is in Parliament Street, York.

Many experts think Richard III was responsible for the deaths of the Princes in the Tower. If this is so – and it seems a high probability – I should not be in favour of honouring him in such a way.

Perhaps the council can think of a person, local or national, whose head and shoulders could be sculpted if funds permit.

For instance, John Shannon was chairman of York Civic Trust for 38 years, during which time Fairfax House was refurbished and the Terry collection of antique furniture installed there.

St Sampson’s Old Peoples’ Centre was his brainchild.

I am not the only person who, in their own mind, called him Mr York.

Joyce McDougald, Dower Court, William Plows Avenue, York

 

I WAS disappointed to see the fountain in Parliament Street turned off. Like clocks that work, fountains can really enhance the look of a street.

Readers will remember a few years ago ideas for the improved look of the streets. Some of the improvements lifted the street, such as the removal of the NNEB roof that jutted out, and the altering of the pavement etc.

The residents were allowed to submit ideas and some were implemented by the council.

Maybe, like roundabouts, companies could sponsor some of the cost.

There would be an outcry if the fountains of Rome were turned off. I still think like Greece their economy is worse than this country. Again, like art, it is down to the sad side of politics.

T Wynn, Dodgson Terrace, Acomb, York

 

IT is reported that UK overspends on foreign aid.

The figures published that the foreign aid bill has been overspent by £9 billion.

Who in their right mind has authorised this overspend?

Obviously this person doesn’t care about this overspend. It’s only you and me.

The person who gave the OK to overspend this amount of money should be sacked, and his or her pension should go to some charity that needs this money.

Tom Mitchell, Mendip Close, Huntington, York

 

YOUR report on developments around York (The Press, August 22) showed that the Civil Service sports ground and Wheatlands were being “treated as green belt”, whereas they do not need to be “treated” as such as they are already holding green-belt status.

It is time that the council concentrated on developing brownfield sites before considering any in the green belt area.

R Hutchinson, Sherwood Grove, York

 

THE Settle to Carlisle rail trip is a brilliant journey through some of the best scenery in Yorkshire. Being hauled by a beautiful steam locomotive makes it even better.

But read the small print. It starts in York and picks up passengers in Normanton, Wakefield (two stations), Leeds and Keighley. It takes one and a half hours to get from York to Leeds and the same on the way back.

It waits for an hour in Hellifield to attach the steam engine and then the journey starts. From then on the journey is magnificent and Carlisle is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours. And then the journey back; three-quarters of an hour in Hellifield and Leeds and home to York exhausted at 10pm.

It’s a great trip but spoilt by delays. As a good Yorkie I had to do it, but I’d recommend taking a service train to Leeds and starting from there.

Graham Williamson, Greenfield Park Drive, York

 

I HAVE just read the letter from Ian Foster (The Press, August 24) and I have some slight sympathy with him.

As someone who has just given up their car and now relies on public transport, I recognise some of the issues.

The smaller, older First York buses are awful in terms of passenger comfort for those with longer legs.

As regards the concerns over waiting 20 minutes, unfortunately buses run to a timetable that serves the whole of York’s residents.

It would be fantastic to have a five to ten minute frequency on all of First York’s routes throughout the day, but it would be economic madness.

For a more exact service, book a taxi and pay their premium.

As regards the incident outside York Station, write to First Group and complain. There may be a rational explanation.

Neil Raw, Oriel Grove, Clifton Without, York

 

I LIVE on the number 5/13 bus route and have seen the value of my season ticket slashed as it is not valid on the farmed out to Connexions 13 service.

The early timetable is not workable for many and the overcrowding of the number 5 (within three stops of station) on the return leg is not a safe or pleasant experience.

Now I am expected to pay more, having lost a key service. To pay again for the use of the Connexions bus would mean a season ticket on this route is nigh on £900. A modest increase?

Kerry Tinker, Darwin Close, York