I UNDERSTAND the concerns of the Barbican's neighbours regarding the possible implications of the council's granting of a 2am licence.

I hope, however, that the decision is vindicated and the impact of customers leaving there late will be no different from those already passing that way on their way home from the city centre.

Both Mr Dickinson and Mr and Mrs Wartho, who condemn the council for not listening to the "residents" (Letters, July 21), do not actually live in the affected area.

Their Save Our Barbican action group has caused lengthy and costly delays to the council's plan to divest itself of this loss-making liability, at the expense of York tax payers.

Perhaps the infamy and wrath that they predict will befall the council may actually come in their direction if, when the project is allowed to proceed, it results in a benefit to most York residents.

Pressure groups often justify themselves by claiming that they act for the majority, while having the self-interest agenda of a minority.

Councils, however, are elected by, and to represent the interests of, the majority.

It remains to be seen whose interests are being best served by this debacle.

Paul S Cordock,

Durlston Drive,

Strensall,

York.

Updated: 10:35 Monday, July 25, 2005