WE are halfway through the month of January and already reading the news in the Evening Press is most depressing.

Stagecoach Youth Theatre is going to suffer cash cuts from City of York Council; York Hospital is cutting back on appointments; bus fares have risen; no music to be allowed in old folks' homes; several premises have been robbed in the city; parking charges are the highest ever; and the Barbican Centre is still a mess. But there is good news ahead. Residents First, the free weekend (January 28 to 29) is a chance to visit all the city's top tourist places with your York Card.

B Pettitt,

The Haven,

Rosemary Place, York.

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, January 21, 2006