Clifford’s Tower plan could be a positive

THE proposed visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower may very well look like a lavatory block from afar, rather like those found in Lancashire seaside towns such as Blackpool, but all is not lost.

The very resemblance can be turned into a positive feature for increasing visitor numbers, with minimal redesigning of the interior.

Two things will now stick for the future, the first being the appellation “lavatory block”. The second, should it be built, is that every day from its opening some visitors to York will be observed making their way towards the structure thinking that at last they have located a much-needed but very elusive town centre facility.

Rather than upsetting such visitors in their time of need by displaying notices on the door such as “this is not a lavatory block; nearest public toilets are located... etc”, why not give them what they want by incorporating public toilets within?

After a wash and brush up and feeling more relaxed, many will stay longer, having become interested in the strategically arranged visual displays, leaflet racks etc, resulting in some purchasing entrance tickets, which up to then they hadn’t planned to do.

Who knows how many such visitors will return home to Blackpool and beyond to tell their friends about the lavatory block in York with a castle built on top.

Every little helps when it comes to spreading the good word and enhancing visitor numbers.

Peter Moore, Otterwood Lane, York

Plenty of people are just after our money

IF a person was to give money to everyone on the streets who is trying to get your hard-earned off you, you could soon be broke.

This week I started walking into town down Blake Street where three gag mag sellers block the way.

“Can I stop you for a minute? Are you visiting? Can I shake your hand?” etc when only the colour of your money are these people interested in.

Next I walk further down the road, where people from the Red Cross are trying to raise funds for incredibly important things like helping those caught up in Syria’s plight. This is a great cause and happily I give something.

Next a busker, an old chap who is doing his best impression of Frank Sinatra crossed with Ozzy Osbourne.

I smile and carry on, until I come across a guy sat down with his cap out in front of him with what looks a decent amount of money. Must be a good number he’s on.

Then the first Big Issue seller is shouting to passersby to buy a copy. Again I support this charity as it does actually look and feel as if some good is coming out of it.

So on any given day you will need a plenty supply of coins if you want to give to those who are after your money.

Sean Atkinson, Gillygate, York

Damning picture of social care cutbacks

LESS than six months after local councils received a special two per cent rise in council tax bills, a precept to be spent exclusively on adult social care, a new report paints a damning picture of service cuts and more funding needed from those needing care (The Press, September 15).

Why is it that town halls all over the country need extra large doses of taxpayers’ cash to feed themselves, while at the same time cutting essential services but finding money for vanity projects?

Geoff Robb, Hunters Close, Dunnington, York

Many thanks to Cllr Johnny Hayes

AFTER reading the article about Cllr Johnny Hayes stepping down from two key roles in the city (The Press, September 3), I want to say to Cllr Hayes a big thank you for getting everybody together to get the schemes off the ground in the area.

At least it gives his successor a good start to carry on this role in the future as chairperson.

Let’s hope the position will not be too hard an act to follow.

Keith Chapman, Custance Walk, York