THE White Swan in Piccadilly was nominated by Evening Press readers as one of the worst eyesores in York in May 1998. Back then, the council assured us it was looking very seriously at doing something about it.

Five years went by, and nothing happened. Then a group of squatters occupied the dilapidated building and renamed it the Rainbow Peace Hotel.

Stung into action, councillors are finally getting tough with the White Swan's neglectful owners.

It is ironic that a group who some would regard as anarchists have outscored our elected representatives on the issue of civic pride.

Updated: 12:07 Friday, June 06, 2003