YOU flatter me, W Elliott ('Giving up the ghost walk', Letters, July 27). But I think I am replaceable because I'm only acting the part of the real Mad Alice (Alice Smith), York 1820. Hence my Equity card.

I hope a thespian will take over the walk as close as possible to the way I portray the character of the 1820s.

Because there are no fixtures and fittings does not detract from the goodwill and reputation created after four years of operating to satisfied customers from all over the world, including repeat school bookings, etc.

This must be of value to someone taking over the enterprise. Especially if the same name for the walk is retained.

My ghost walk is a fun walk, and if some people find pleasure in taking part, then they should decide whether they believe the stories or not.

You should come to my walk, and lighten up a bit. I may dance with you.

G Williams,

(Mad Alice),

Heworth, York.

...W ELLIOTT of Hartlepool sounds like a proper party pooper. He thinks the ghost walkers in York may be obtaining money by "false pretences" and goodwill is not a saleable asset.

How wrong; Mad Alice has built reputation and goodwill in her business over the past four years and that is a saleable asset in the Inland Revenue's eyes, irrespective of fixtures and fittings. Indeed, the business may well have repeat customers and recommendations from satisfied clients.

"Mad Alice" is, presumably, a trading name of an entertainment business which surely could be passed to another like-minded artiste, for them to continue the operation. As for "who owns the ghosts...?", perhaps it's time for W Elliott to give up the ghost and stop complaining about those earning an honest living?

P Brandon,

Bishopthorpe Road, York.

Updated: 10:18 Wednesday, July 31, 2002