Hard on the heels of Saturdays revelation, that housing officials in York are scrapping a garden help scheme for disabled tenants, we are now told that the annual garden competition – labeled as “Homegrown” – is also being axed.

Both decisions have been made without any consultation with tenants.

Nor have the moves been discussed publicly by York Councillors at any of their meetings.

They both appear to reflect a new trend in housing policy with the appearance of publicly visible areas having a very low priority.

The department has been under constant pressure for failing to maintain garage areas and suspending – in many estates – the provision of additional car parking facilities. The result has been badly damaged grass verges.

In some areas like Foxwood the local residents association run garden competitions aimed at all residents. These will continue.but without any support from the York Council.