THERE is no doubt that having the Tour de France come through York in 2014 will boost local business, but I wonder how many of the thousands who signed up to the ‘Back le bid’ campaign would have done so knowing that there would be a £500,000 ‘fee’ to be paid to the organisers from our council tax (The Press, February 8)?

A £50,000 contribution towards the Welcome to Yorkshire bid was agreed, but in all the Wiggins and Olympic led euphoria calling for the event to come to Yorkshire, I don’t recall any mention of this whopping fee, which is on top of the logistical costs of hosting the event itself.

So I say ‘Yes’ to a legacy of more cycling, but ‘No’ to piling on more debt, as essential services are slashed and potholes left unfilled.

Coun Andy D’Agorne, Green Party, City of York Council.