AN ALTERNATIVE and socially responsible use for the Bonding Warehouse (Squatters take over York pub, August 14) would be for it to be transformed into a multi-purpose dedicated venue for York's lesbian and gay community.

The warehouse could be transformed from a derelict shell into a hub of dedicated small businesses - bars, cafes, restaurants, bookshops, meeting rooms and so on.

Such an enterprise could help promote social inclusivity, recognise diversity, encourage healthy living/safe sex, advance social and community regeneration - and at the same time be profitable.

York's lesbians and gays are poorly served by the established business community with only one gay-friendly bar.

As the third most visited city in the UK, many would rightly observe that after visiting York, gay tourists might feel short changed. With vision, the Bonding Warehouse could help fill an obvious gap in the market and meet a social need to boot.

Dr Brian Jones,

Balmoral Terrace,

York.

Updated: 11:29 Tuesday, August 17, 2004