Having just heard speculation that the Duchess of York might be about to buy a house in this fair city, I decided to writeand beg you to use your influence on her choice of area.

Please persuade her to come to South Bank, and then maybe just maybe - the pavements and roads will be repaired, the abysmal street lighting (which at the best of times gives the impression of walking into a dim orange fog) may be improved, and oh joy - perhaps the elusive number 23 bus would occasionally run on time (or perhaps that's asking a bit much).

The possibilities are endless, we may even get the Knavesmire Road public conveniences opened again. I would love to see the cricket pavilion sporting the legend - Eugenie loves Tarquin instead of the usual Daz, Baz, Gaz and Shaz.

I never thought I would write these words but... Fergie, come home all is forgiven!

Mrs Ella Hirst,

Coggan Close,

South Bank,

York.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.