I FOOLISHLY led an expeditionary force into York city centre Christmas shopping.

Having negotiated frenzied bargain hunters, I sought refuge in one large department store, which will remain anonymous in case they mark my card.

With the call of nature fresh on my mind, my escalator ascent into the upper reaches caused me to reflect on the state of play which exists outside the ladies and gents’ conveniences.

The gents were in free flow, excuse the pun, but the long queue outside the ladies gave rise to envy, while awaiting a vacant cubicle to we privileged male customers.

May I suggest a traffic warden time keeping attendant, who can issue parking tickets to any client who overstays their welcome? And/or reinstate the public toilets in Parliament Street?

Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York