SIR – My heart goes out to Ms Berry, of the Northwick Arms and other small businesses in the city at the speed with which they had to close because of the move to tier three (Unhappy new tier for pubs and pupils, January 1).

Most of the pubs and restaurants were fully booked for dinner on December 31. What a tragedy to have to turn such great business away and presumably destroy food.

I am not qualified to know if the decision to change to tier three was correct or not but the manner in which it was done, with no notice, just as many small businesses might have been getting back on their feet was manifestly cruel.

This city depends on its small shops, independent bars and restaurants. We cannot afford to lose them. It remains to be seen what impact Brexit will have on them but we must all do what we can, when we can, to keep local business alive.

Chris Cawthorne

Cllr, St John ward