I WOKE up this morning feeling ashamed and embarrassed to belong to York.

We have had a wonderful chance to show off this beautiful city to visitors from the south and what have we done - totally overpriced all accommodation so they won't come north again.!

Who, in heaven's name, from our wonderful council gave permission for the demolition of Ashfield to begin right now - couldn't it have waited another week?

Fancy looking at that mess while queuing endlessly to get to the racecourse.

How come the parking wasn't checked on Monday to see if the gate was wide enough to admit cars and the ground not too soggy?

What a wasted opportunity and what a shame that York messed it up.

I know some southerners have been scathing about northerners but, sadly, we have proved them right.

Mrs H Agar,

Dringthorpe Road,

York.

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, June 16, 2005