CONCERNING the article on the death of Ruby Milnes (The Press, March 7) for which the race course is being taken to court for health and safety issues, it seems this tragic death is the result of a lack of co-ordination between the many organisations concerned with Knavesmire.

The racecourse cares for the track and the stands, but takes no responsibility for the mess left on the periphery or (up till now) the danger caused to walkers and cyclists by the vehicles related to its work.

The Woodland Trust looks after the trees in the wood, but does nothing about day-to-day litter and vandalism.

City of York Council mows the grass, empties the bins and arranges income-generating events, but overlooks maintaining the paths and the access stiles which become treacherous in winter.

In addition, the area falls between Knavesmire and Dringhouses/ Woodthorpe wards, with neither taking responsibility for its upkeep. And then there is the cycle path running around the eastern edge, overlapping the access roads used by trucks and tractors.

Because there are so many important players with so many conflicting interests, it is difficult to see how the public voice can be effectively heard concerning the future of Knavesmire.

Polly Griffith, Whin Road, Dringhouses, York.