I feel I must add my comments to those already received from other concerned locals regarding the fate of the Hawthorn, the one and only public house in Upper Welland.

I have personally used the Hawthorn since the early 1970s "when it was a popular, well-run community pub" up until it recently went into decline under its present ownership.

Before finally closing the doors, the Hawthorn had drastically reduced opening days to a bare minimum and closed the once-thriving restaurant completely, converting it into private living accommodation - hardly constructive moves designed to encourage trade.

In addition, large gates were fitted across the entrance to the once substantial car park and much of it turned into a private garden,

Despite the fact it means travelling further for a drink, I and many of the locals use the Marlbank Inn, which, despite not being surrounded by rooftops, still enjoys excellent local support.

Should Mr Stewart apply for permission to de-licence the Hawthorn, as it is commonly believed he intends to, he may well be very surprised by the response from that which he perceives as an apathetic local community.

Chris Osborne, Heathlands Close, Malvern Wells.