THE White Horse Inn on the Village Green at Upper Poppleton has been granted a licence for music to be played outdoors until 10pm every day, and indoors until one hour before closing time each and every day, with the windows being closed at 10pm (August 27).

Closing the windows will not completely prevent the sound of amplified music being heard by all the surrounding neighbours.

By contrast, the same authority has put a permanent ban on music in the Tithe Barn at Nether Poppleton, which is a charity and relies on fundraising efforts, including concerts and functions with a musical content, to survive - because just one of their neighbours objected following a concert by the Poppleton Singers which ended at 9.30pm.

Will somebody please explain to me, and everyone else, how this iniquitous situation is justified?

Keith Smith,

Brackenhills,

Upper Poppleton,

York.

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, August 31, 2005