A RUCKSACK was found under the footbridge at the back of the Shambles car park one morning recently with its contents scattered everywhere.

On close inspection the contents belonged to a foreign tourist who, no doubt, had spent the day visiting our city only to have it spoilt by someone stealing her rucksack and belongings.

I read the other day the tourist board is embarking on an advertising campaign to encourage visitors to our city.

Because the best form of advertising is word of mouth, the tourist who had her bag stolen is not going to paint York in a good light to her fellow countrymen, is she?

Rather than waste good money on bringing people to our city, let's tackle this problem on our doorstep.

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 12:36 Thursday, October 03, 2002