SO the saga of The Turf Tavern is finally coming to a sad end. Several months ago, the campaign team and many supporters won a small victory by helping to persuade the Joseph Rowntree trust to withdraw its interest in the site.

We then invited the owner, Howard Bryan, to meet us and discuss options for the pub’s future. He did not contact us and we now know why – he is intent on closing it.

Even though nothing has changed regarding the popularity and profitability of The Turf, a quick profit from the sale of the property is more attractive.

I can forecast what will happen: the pub will close on December 16 (just before Christmas – bah humbug!) but will be left vulnerable to vandals; it will become a derelict eyesore and the council will order the owner to demolish it.

Planning permission will then go through unopposed because neighbours will be sick of the sight of it. Does this scenario sound familiar? It should do because that is what happened to The White Rose.

If anyone in the council cares about community hubs being obliterated, perhaps they can advise us as to how we can stave off the inevitable until next year.

P Gledhill, North Lane, Dringhouses, York.