TONY SKAIFE makes a really valid point about “scruffy York” (The Press, July 25).

This is a wonderful city with a heritage to be proud of but our council seem to ignore this.

While budgets are undoubtedly tight, some things do not necessarily cost a lot of money.

Planned maintenance and careful thought could minimise expense.

The cobbles in Stonegate are an example of how shoddy thinking costs money.

The city is bursting with damaged railings, broken or damaged seating, unpainted lampposts, bent signs etc, all of which should be attended to within existing frameworks.

If they can’t be, the city should be explaining why and asking us for help.

The edges of the car park in Union Terrace bordering the pavement and the pay machine bay in the car park itself are a disgrace and all in full view of thousands of tourists who come off the coaches.

Is anyone in the city council monitoring these sorts of things?

Please Cllr Ashley Mason and colleagues, show some leadership in the care of our city or enable organisations such as the Civic Trust to bring some improvements.

Look at the improvements in the small garden beside High Ousegate as a result of the work of the Civic Trust.

There needs to be a sustained campaign led by the city council.

Why do I think that is unlikely? Perhaps The Press could assist?

S Young, York