INSTEAD of wasting money on the eyesore-to-be at the base of Clifford’s Tower, which has already been compared to a toilet block, it would have been put to better use in providing more public toilets in the city.

For a city the size of York with the number of visitors we get, the lack of these amenities is a disgrace.

Many years ago when the public conveniences were downstairs at either end of Parliament Street, the ladies was superb.

These were then closed and we got the Splash Palace which was nowhere near the same standard. Now the only city centre toilets are in Silver Street and are not very appealing.

That is why there are always long queues in Marks & Spencer, and BHS was the same.

It’s no wonder that some eatieries are having notices saying that the toilets are for paying customers only.

These businesses are there to make a living and should not be expected to supply visitors and residents with the basic facilities which the council should provide.

P Witlea, Bishopthorpe, York