THIS has been a difficult year for members of the ruling group at City of York Council.

They have become embroiled in a series of high-profile problems, attracting fierce criticism from residents.

No one should underestimate the size of their task. It is a huge challenge to oversee York's transition from its industrial past to a service and science-led economy, all the while protecting what makes the city special.

But councillors could make life easier for themselves if they shed their mistrust of the people they govern.

Secrecy runs like a thread through the council's self-inflicted troubles.

The fireworks display is the most spectacular example. What should have been a memorable extravaganza was soured by the council's decision to keep people quite literally in the dark. Attempts to suggest this was done at the behest of the police were firmly rebutted today.

Earlier this year, people living near the former Shipton Street School were furious to learn they had not been told of council plans to move the Arc Light centre there. There was a similar failure to consult over the changes to refuse collections.

The decision to allow a suspended senior council officer to retire early with a publicly-funded pay-off, without giving any details about the controversial circumstances of his departure, is another example of this culture of concealment.

If the council wants a more positive 2006 it should be more direct. A renewed commitment to open government would gradually restore residents' faith in the good intentions of their rulers.

Updated: 10:44 Thursday, November 17, 2005