THERE is a decision meeting tomorrow that could decide not only the future of the Punch Bowl but of the look and feel of the local community.

Can I therefore urge Cllr’s Williams and Merrett to place the Article 4 Direction on the Punch Bowl, Lowther Street.

We at York CAMRA have been working with pub regulars, local businesses, residents and students to make the Article 4 application.

We have been hugely moved by the depth of feeling that exists regarding this issue and the willingness of local people to get involved in something they care about.

A petition signed by more than 1,200 people unequivocally states that they don’t want a Tesco supermarket but want to keep their local pub.

Local businesses have stated their fears about the impact a new supermarket will have on the local independent economy. Students at University of York St John have said that the Punch Bowl is the only existing local amenity that has a function room that can accommodate large groups.

The Labour cabinet encouragingly has spoken about wanting to help protect the pub. They now have the opportunity to prove this, by granting the Article 4 Direction on Thursday.

Nick Love, Deangate, York