ON OFFICIAL book of condolence for the Queen Mother has been criticised by a York woman for being shabby and disrespectful.

Janet Rowntree, of Heworth, went to sign the special book in the York Guildhall on Tuesday, but said she was disappointed by its presentation and the fact that she had to use an everyday ballpoint pen to sign it.

She said: "It was simply not presented in a respectful way. First of all I couldn't find the book and had to ask where it was.

"Then I had to use a biro to sign the book. There should have been a nice pen to use. The whole thing was just shabby. I was appalled.

"When we had a book for Princess Diana in the Mansion House, it was done beautifully. Maybe she appealed to the younger generation, but that does not mean we should not show that same level of courtesy to the Queen Mother."

Mrs Rowntree, who is approaching 60, said the book and its presentation should also reflect the fact that the Queen Mother was the Duchess of York before she became the Queen consort.

She added: "She was a special and important person in this country, especially to people of my generation. She was like another mother and I was very distressed to see the lack of respect that we in York are showing by this remembrance book and its presentation. The whole setting was wrong."

A spokesman for the City of York Council said: "The book of condolence in the Guildhall has been specifically purchased and is tastefully embossed with 'in condolence' on the front.

"The book is available on a table at the front of the Guildhall, with a sign next to it and a vase of a flowers beside it. As for the pen available to sign the book, a number of them have been accidentally taken, whilst others have been left behind.

"We need to ensure that people have the opportunity to express their condolences, which we have done in an appropriate and respectful manner.

"The book needs to be accessible to the public. The Mansion House is not always open to the public and the Guildhall is and it has disabled access."

The book now has several hundred signatures and one woman who was signing the book said: "I think it is lovely that we have somewhere to come and show our respects."

You can sign our own online Book of Condolence if you wish here.

Updated: 09:36 Thursday, April 04, 2002