Regarding your article about the ‘major firework display’ which could take place in York (The Press, January 19) - even if the Chinese city contributes £200,000 it still leaves a shortfall of £100,000 which the City of York would allegedly fund.

This I feel is absolutely outrageous given the substantial rise in council taxes and the closure of so many local facilities.

This money (if available) could be put towards housing or even towards the disgraceful state of the paving in York. It is no use saying that this is due to tree roots - there are many places in the city where there are no trees.

I myself had a very bad fall after tripping over a raised paving stone in St Andrewgate.

In my view firework displays should come well to the bottom of any list of options.

Margaret Smith,

Dunnington, York