I WRITE to enlist help in achieving a significant improvement to both the ladies and gentlemen’s toilets at York station in order to enhance the reputation and status of the city.

I am particularly concerned about the appalling state of the gentlemen’s toilets on platform three/four next to the York Tap.

These facilities require a full refurbishment sufficient to bring them up to the standard expected of the most iconic railway station in the north of England.

I have written to both Virgin and Network Rail on this point, but both have deflected any criticism by stating that it was the other’s responsibility or that works may be carried out at some future date.

I am therefore seeking the help of other influential parties to ensure some action is taken.

The impression made on the many visitors to York, in particular those from China and Japan, can only be undermined by the state of both the ladies and gentlemen’s toilets considering the excellent facilities normally provided in those countries.

Many visit the station for its historic value as well as to catch a train and the gentlemen’s toilet block is completely out of context with its depressing so called “modern” shape.

I visited Carlisle station recently and found the toilets there to be modern, clean and well maintained, in dire contrast to York.

Why cannot York provide facilities to match its both national and international status?

Mr J K Taylor, Kirkby Underdale, East Yorkshire