WHEN you reported that York may be without Christmas lighting this year because of a lack of cash, the response was swift from the directors of the Jinnah restaurant group. They donated £1,000 to start a lights fund (February 23).

A second article described the response from major city centre retailers when asked if they would give money to the fund. Each response was negative (February 25). How different are these approaches to the situation.

York's economy is dependent on tourists. The city council has clearly stated it cannot fund the lighting. Surely it is the city traders who will either benefit or lose from the variation in visitor numbers.

The city council organises the St Nicholas Fayre and permits traders to operate extended hours in the city. Who benefits financially from this? Those same traders who are dependent on the number of Christmas shoppers.

I find it ironic that such a negative response on funding the lights came from businesses who will be decorating their premises in November for Christmas. The donation to begin a lighting fund has come from a group of gentlemen who do not celebrate Christmas.

Three cheers for the owners of the Jinnah group. These people contribute a lot to York and to the wider world. Since the terrible earthquake in Pakistan last October, each restaurant has been contributing to a disaster fund. A director from the group has gone to Pakistan with the money to begin a project to rebuild a small village in one of the devastated areas of North Pakistan.

This is humanity and generosity working quietly together, not looking for applause. I just wish some of the business owners in York would open their eyes, their hearts and their wallets, as they will no doubt be hoping their customers will.

Austin Wilson,

Tranby Avenue,

Osbaldwick,

York.

Updated: 09:57 Thursday, March 02, 2006