I WOULD like to thank Dave Stockton for his response (Don't forget: students are residents as well, Soapbox, April 4) to my letter (Home truths, March 30).

I would just like to clarify my position on the role of students in the community.

Mr Stockton and I appear to be of the same opinion. We both agree that students need to be integrated into the communities they are residents of. We also agree that this is a two-way process: as well as students making an effort to be courteous and respectful, the non-student population needs to make an effort too.

I would, however, like to offer my apology though for my labelling of the groups as "students" and "residents". Of course, I agree that students are residents too and just as much a resident as anyone else. Indeed, I am a student myself at the University of York and would consider myself to be a part of the community. It was just an easier way of distinguishing between the two groups.

I hope that communities do stay together, that we all recognise that we all have just as much right to live in York as anyone else and that everyone does their bit for the local council and votes.

Michael Rutherford, Conservative Party candidate, Fishergate ward, Lawrence Square, York.