IT is time to take a stand for all that is right and decent. I refer to the wonderful public house the Tap & Spile on Monkgate, York.

Since Jack and Mel Merry took over the place has been a delight to enter. There is always a fine choice of real ales and a safe and friendly atmosphere to enjoy them in.

This is not a rowdy pub.

Professor Lindsay Smith obviously thinks otherwise and has mounted a vitriolic propaganda campaign against the pub's proposed new hours and music events (August 15).

I don't think any of these changes are unreasonable. What kind of horrors is he expecting if the application is successful?

All the friends I meet there live within one or two streets. They happen to be residents too.

The accusations by Michael Powell imply that the patrons of this fine pub are in the habit of abusing, jostling and car vandalism. This is dangerous talk Mr Powell, perhaps you would like to provide some proof to back this up? My friends and I at the Tap are surprised and upset by these allegations.

I have never witnessed anything of this nature when leaving. No matter what happens to the Tap's application there are going to be scores of city centre pubs that will successfully extend their hours.

When they "chuck out" at 3.30am Monkgate will be on the homeward route of drunken youths heading back to Heworth, the Groves, Tang Hall etc, shouting, singing, urinating and regurgitating on all surrounding areas.

So, professor, any success you achieve will be pyrrhic at best.

I wish Jack and Mel good luck when their licence is considered.

Ken Pitcher,

Covent House,

George Street, York.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, August 17, 2005