IN the article "York bid to beat Ascot gridlock" (January 26) Mr Templeman said traffic will be directed via the A64.

So how will that traffic get to and from the A64 and the racecourse? Not through Bishopthorpe, I hope.

To minimise disruption here, and other areas such as Dringhouses, I suggest the easiest and probably the cheapest way would be to have Sim Balk Lane closed to traffic between, say, 10am and 2pm and again from 4.30pm and 7pm.

During the first period, a two-lane flow would be down Sim Balk Lane (from Tadcaster Road) and during the second period up Sim Balk Lane. Both flows would only need to go as far as the present cycle track, just past the changing rooms.

The cycle track, with minimum upgrading, could then be used for direct access to and from the racecourse without going through any residential areas. This arrangement would then be available for all future race days and for such events as the Motor Home rally, which also caused much disruption in the area last year.

AL Dixon,

Coggan Way, York.

...IF the powers that be need help to work out how to handle the sudden influx of people when Royal Ascot comes to York I suggest planners start with a tour of York city centre at night.

Then they will see the problem of what to do with the obvious side effects of drinking large amounts of beer has been solved.

Here they will find several shop doorways and walls have been turned into temporary lavatories.

Eric Deighton,

Moorgate,

Holgate, York.

Updated: 11:28 Thursday, February 12, 2004