MR Gallagher may be right that the police have never been called out to Certificate 18 in Gillygate, York (June 24). However, it is about what happens after people have left the place.

I had to call 999 several times this year to address drunken and misbehaving people from Gillygate. The disturbance of screaming and singing groups is almost daily, considerable and already beyond tolerable hours.

Shop windows are regularly smashed by people pushing each other into them, with often persistent alarms thereafter. There is also frequent damage, urinating, theft and dumped rubbish or bottles in local gardens.

Although Cert 18 may not directly cause this it seems a sad, but linear, consequence of attracting groups in the area late at night and is likely to increase if the hours are extended.

Cert 18 is unable, even now, to provide a strategy to reduce noise levels inside and outside its premises.

Becauese Cert 18 is doing some commendable work, likewise the residents on Gillygate do some excellent work to keep the area well presented and functioning.

As for Mr Gallagher's invitation to the Oxfam event, some residents have visited Cert 18 on numerous occasions; the rest can fully enjoy the atmosphere of the place just by sitting in their armchairs at home (with their pipe and slippers of course).

J Scott,

Gillygate, York.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, June 28, 2005