I WAS startled as I entered Monk Stray for my morning jog to see an official notice that there was a proposal from the council to license the stray for events that could include entertainments, boxing matches, music and the sale of alcohol.

The stray is not large and is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood inhabited mostly by families, middle-aged and older people. So it is an unsuitable location for public entertainments that would seriously impact on the peaceful surroundings.

I have lived round the corner from the stray for 25 years and have been delighted by its presence. It is used by children to kick a ball or play cricket, by families to fly kites, by people walking dogs and by joggers.

After talking to a member of the council licensing staff, I learn it is planned to hold various events, possibly many.

The person I spoke to said she and colleagues had attended an event last year marking the finish line of a cycling event and determined, from talking to people at the event, that they wanted more such events. To consider this as a survey is silly. Anyone they spoke to would favour it, otherwise they would not be there.

What should take place is a survey of people who live nearby.

I urge readers to call on the council to quash any plan for public events in the stray, especially those with loudspeaker music and alcohol.

Bob McMillan, Straylands Grove, Stockton Lane, York • A City of York Council spokeswoman, said: “The council has licensed a number of open spaces for the performance of plays, films, live music, recorded music, sporting events and dance for the benefit of the wider community.

“The spaces have been used for a range of family-based and civic and military events, as well as bringing major events to the city such as the Tour of Britain Cycle Race and charity fun-runs.

“Areas already licensed include Knavesmire, Rowntree Park, Hull Road Park, Tower Gardens, the Eye of York and Parliament Street. The application for a premises licence for Monk Stray and West Bank Park is the subject of 28 days’ public consultation. Representations to the application must be made in writing to City of York Council’s Licensing Services, 9 St Leonard’s Place, York, Y01 7ET no later than May 14.”