Drinking culture the mark of a thriving market town

Published on 14th September 2006 in News

Sir -

In response to the rather huge write up in last week's edition with regard to the drinking problems in Howden: as a local respected resident in Howden I feel that heavy drinking, especially with the younger people, is an issue. But can I remind the resident who is apparently running a vigilante campaign against one bar known as Bojangles that there has always been a culture of very high levels of drinking in the town.

This has and always was the mark of a thriving market town. Remember how many drinking hostelries there were in the past.

Amazing how people forget that, before the agreed late licence, Howden had several pubs that always served illegally after time. It always seemed amazing that the police appeared to turn a blind eye - we all know which pubs did it.

Now that laws have changed it appears that one or two local residents are set on trying to ruin a couple's livelihood, and may I add one or two or our local police seem to be listening to only one side of the story.

I have made it my business to enter Bojangles after its extensive refurbishment, and was impressed to acknowledge the amount of poster-red documentation on every corner, maintaining respect to the neighbours, and police and a clear message regarding a no-drugs policy and nil toleration of drinking on the street.

I feel very sorry for the licensees of the premises, as they seem to be working very hard to discourage trouble. It appears that they are being made a scapegoat for what is every licensee's problem.

I see that they are an active member of Pubwatch. Are the rest of this committee supporting them, as this one bar cannot be made responsible for what happens to the public on the street?

Finally, on the subject of responsibilities, it is obvious where most of the damage is coming from: look towards the gangs of youths that are on street corners all over town. They are bored and I have witnessed on many occasions the fear of local residents, and instances of pure malicious damage to local windows and properties, just for the fun of it.

Mr Vicar Lane resident: I suggest you take down those silly boards and stop victimizing individuals. I am afraid that youths will always rebel and drinkers will always drink. It must be very dark in your house; why not let some light and kindness into your life? You would be surprised how good it feels.

Very concerned resident

Howden