DOES Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing think we are all fools?

Her excuse for closing the Beckfield Lane tip is that £2 million must be spent on the facility.

This is not true. It may have shortcomings and would no doubt benefit from a thorough upgrade, but there is no desperate imperative that this must happen now or in the near future.

Despite its deficiencies, residents have managed to make good use of the facility for many years and there is no reason why they cannot continue to do so until such time as funds become available for improvements.

Moreover, the huge sum quoted for its improvement must be questioned and subject to scrutiny. Is it really necessary to spend all that cash, or is this just another piece of spin to justify Labour’s controversial budget?

If the ward councillors really want to put the tip closure row into perspective they should hold a mini-referendum for residents west of the river and ask them what they would prefer: Keep the site running as it is, or close it down completely and lock the gates?

I think I can predict the result.

John Jones, Sand Hutton, York.