GREETINGS from a recent visitor. A short while ago I read an article in the Evening Press about the high quality of the toilet facilities in York (June 26). I must admit I was impressed during my recent visit, at their cleanliness that is.

However, what did not impress me were the opening hours. At 6am I took a long exercise speed walk and returned to the town centre shortly after 7.30am bursting for a "leak". Problem was: where to go? The facilities were closed. I had to go in some back alley.

I believe, at least in the interests of the tourists on which York heavily depends, there should be some better arrangements than the present ones. A council workman at the main toilet facility with keys to the toilet in hand could not offer any better solution than the one I took - he could not even guide me to any other suitable legal "discharge point".

His suggestion when asked what to do was: "Hold it in tight".

Harold Walker,

Beacon Street,

South Yarmouth,

Massachusetts, USA.

Updated: 09:50 Friday, July 29, 2005