MY friends and myself want to go to a bonfire event tomorrow. I had a look on the Internet for any council-run events.

In Leeds there are six events described as "spectacular" and "breathtaking". Similarly there are nine events around Hull and East Yorkshire.

Then I looked at the City of York Council site and found nothing but a shabby suggestion that bonfires are very bad for us, why not make a compost heap instead.

I have nothing against making compost, it is a good method of recycling. But what has our Liberal Democrat council got against having a little fun? I remember some good fireworks displays in York not so long back but this city does very little now except make life a drab chore for we citizens.

We would have had no Christmas lights if not for contributions from local businesses, and I notice the latest doubts about York's swimming pools (November 3).

So I ask Coun Galloway, what are you doing with our money?

Ken Pitcher,

Covent House,

George Street, York.

Updated: 10:05 Friday, November 05, 2004