SIR - It's horrible news about the impending end of The Plough, one of Worcester's last free houses and last "real" pubs. It's also one of Worcester's oldest buildings.

I have spent my entire adult life drinking in The Plough, and things just haven't been the same since it closed in the summer. The closing night was a classic Plough Night: a brilliant knees-up with loads of laughs, loads of beer, a few tears, and a chance to wave Tony off in style. Yes, a real pub, full of history, in the heart of historic Worcester's heritage area. Shouldn't this be retained? Worcester is becoming full of offices and apartments. Doesn't a real local pub count for anything? Mr Moss and Harrison Clarke can make a few quid out of this, but a few hearts will be broken along the way.

CHRIS WINWOOD,

Worcester.