President Trump, Brexit, roadworks in Acomb and now a possibility York Railway Station ticket office is to be shut down? (Rail ticket sales to be self-service, says union, May 13).

It’s a step too far. Those ticket folks are the most helpful, smiley, knowledgeable people I have come across. I embrace technology usually but please don’t let us lose our first class service.

They are the smiling front line for our tourists as well as us Yorkies.

Gillian Ring, Howe Hill Road, York

Railway staff are needed by us all

I am grateful to Richard Beaton (Letters, May 15) for speaking on behalf of hundreds of York rail users and visitors, including those from overseas, about the well used and much appreciated ticket office in York Railway Station being removed. The expertise, including for rail passes, and helpfulness of the lovely staff (always queues despite the ‘wonderful’ machines next door) continue to be needed by us all.

Dorothy Nicholson, Grange Garth, York

Speaking up for a maligned king

I TOO would like to respond to the decision by Leicester Cathedral to allow a production of Shakespeare’s Richard III. I agree with the letter written on May 10 that Leicester Cathedral have completely broken their promise of interring Richard’s remains “with dignity and honour”.

The Society of Friends of King Richard III was formed nearly 40 years ago by myself and the late Dorothy Mitchell to promote Richard III in York. Many people, including myself and my members, signed a petition to bring Richard home to be buried in the city he loved, and who loved him. He would certainly have been treated with dignity and respect.

To now see how Leicester Cathedral is treating an anointed King of England is beyond belief. It seems they will stoop to any lengths to make money. The society would like to add its name in calling for this production to be cancelled or relocated elsewhere.

Sandra Wadley, Chairman The Society of Friends of King Richard III, Saddlebrook Court, Foxwood, York

Keep personalities out of politics

Surely the policies of political parties have to take priority over personalities, especially as politicians tend to resign when the going gets rough?

In 2015, David Cameron, Ed Milliband and Nick Clegg were the leaders of the three main parties. Today, it is Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Tim Farron. In 2019 it is possible that none of these will be the leaders – it could be Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Norman Lamb. The future for the NHS, education, defence and the economy have to be more important than individual personalities.

Helen Webster, Main Street, Fulford, York