Berwick Kaler may be retiring but we have a new absurdity as ridiculous as any pantomime.

The hideous shipping container complex on Piccadilly has been made even more grotesque by the addition of tarpaulin roof coverings, making it look like a third world disaster.

A planning application has eventually been lodged for this covering that has been in place since October and is said to be needed only till the end of April.

However, it will take at least two months for the application to be determined and another six months in which an appeal can be lodged. This follows on from the previous planning fiasco of missing cladding and unauthorised artwork which remains ongoing.

City of York Council has enforcement powers and lease clauses that could stop this saga dragging on and on but strangely doesn’t use them. It seems the pantomime Fairy Godmother is still waving her magic wand.

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk, York