I AM dismayed to learn our councillors are proposing to close their drop-in centre at Sycamore House, at present reserved for the recreation of people with "mental health problems".

The reason given is that the money so freed could be used to fund an annual fireworks display, and to acquire better Christmas lights.

What a Christmas' present to some of our most vulnerable citizens. And what a treatment of a festival devoted to a birth in a manger threatened by Herod and his henchmen.

I plead with our councillors to think again - for the sake of York's good name and out of compassion for the present users of Sycamore House.

Prof J A Berthoud, New Walk Terrace, York.