IT was interesting to read Councillor Watson's pontifications on rogue takeaways (October 24) - bravo!

But, hang on a second, isn't he and his fellow puppets on the planning committee responsible for giving the "green light" to most of the takeaways that litter all the approach roads to the centre of the city?

"Close them" he says. Has he consulted his masters? This would mean less business rates, which would result in a greater rise in council tax or a curb in council staff recruitment and, dare I say, put the councillors' perks and expenses in jeopardy.

It must be getting near election time?

David Jobson,

Peckitt Street, York.

Updated: 09:27 Thursday, October 27, 2005