I OBJECT to the proposed rock festival on York Knavesmire.

It is a well-known fact that these events cause trouble for the local landowners and nearby residents, not to mention the hotels and the racecourse.

The organisers, York Arts Forum, cannot possibly guarantee this event will not be a repeat of Temple Newsam, Leeds, and are only concerned with making big money.

Residents from all parts of York use Knavesmire during the week and weekends for dog walking/picnics and leisure in general. Beside the rubbish created by a festival, there is the health risk from discarded drug needles in the grass.

Knavesmire covers a big area and it would be impossible to recover all possible needles, hence the danger to walkers, children and football teams.

York residents are already facing a rise in community tax partly for the police. There is no doubt the rock festival would add an extra strain on police resources.

Before any agreement is made with organiser Catherine White, the residents of South Bank should be given the chance to vote on such an event.

C O'Hara,

Jamieson Terrace,

South Bank, York.

Updated: 11:36 Saturday, March 01, 2003