FURTHER to Mrs J Cartner’s letter of November 1, I must admit that due to a typing omission I referred to Costa Coffee as “an American franchise” when I actually meant “American-style franchise” – which indeed it now is as it has more worldwide venues than even MacDonalds.

Perhaps Mrs Cartner had not been to any of the lovely cafés in Pocklington, which already serve the excellent coffee she craves and have very helpful and friendly staff. Moreover they all serve locally produced and prepared food.

As to association of Costa Coffee with Whitbreads, this is no recommendation as, if they had the choice, Whitbreads would like to see all independent pubs and breweries closed down.

Might I also point multinational companies do not always pay tax in this country, whereas all our local businesses do.

Roger Bruton, Broadmanor, Pocklington.