YOUR report "City council blitz on dog dirt offenders" (October 26) was interesting. I congratulate the council on wanting to rid York of dog dirt, but one of the biggest animal mess problems in the city centre is from the horse and carriage owners taking tourists around the city.

This summer my wife and I went into town and saw piles of horse dirt in Colliergate. The whole street stank.

We then went into Church Street and Blake Street where there was even more. Visitors were appalled at the sight and smell; families were trying prevent their children stepping into it, and a pushchair had wheeled over it much to the anger of the young mum.

We should learn from our continental neighbours - they have sorted this problem out and it is about time we did the same here. Fines for dog dirt offenders are a good idea, but treat horse dirt offenders the same way.

M Cook,

Ouseacres, York.

...SO dog owners who allow their pets to foul paths could face a £1,000 fine. How about a one thousand pound fine for POBs (people on bikes) who offend on footpaths?

Perhaps not as foul as poo on paths - but far more dangerous.

Mrs M Morton,

Acomb Road, York.

Updated: 11:30 Monday, November 04, 2002