THE Big York Survey of residents was not a “great success” (The Press, June 15) but an exercise in propaganda. The repeated survey this year will be more of the same.

The council doesn’t need to dangle £100 of shopping vouchers to get people to comment on their services. All they need do is read the letters page of The Press. Or better still take notice of representations sent to them by concerned citizens who are not at all happy about the way the council runs things.

Experience shows that ‘consultations’ in this city have little credibility. Fundamental papers are kept secret and reports are manipulated to achieve the desired conclusions.

The annual survey is worthless and a waste of money. Anyone who has any views on council services is recommended not to indulge in this charade but to make comment directly to those responsible.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.

 

• Just as the consultation for the Local Plan has started, we are now to be asked to take part in the Big York Survey which will run concurrently.

Is the timing of this intended to distract residents’ attention from the Local Plan?

With an inducement to take part in a free draw to win a £100 of shopping vouchers, the council seems to be more interested in knowing how they are rated, rather than what we think of losing 2,000 acres of the green belt.

Paul S Cordock, Durlston Drive, Strensall, York.