IT saddens me a great deal to read about the pubs, clubs and city landmarks that are being demolished in favour of "yuppie housing'" or, in the case of the Frog Hall in Layerthorpe, a drive-through McDonald's.

I lived in Heworth for ten years before moving to Murton. It was a lovely area to live in. My three children grew up there, attending local schools.

We regularly called into the Frog Hall. Pubs such as the Frog were part of the area's history. My eldest son and his mates used it as a meeting place to chat and play pool.

It was an ideal venue for a celebration, as was the Layerthorpe Working Men's Club. I was a member there and attended many events over the years such as dance classes and rock and roll nights.

Not everyone can get into town. What about elderly people who don't want to be jostled at the bar when they go for a drink? They rely on these pubs and clubs for their social life.

I agree with what Sue Lacy said that local people are being cast aside by developers in preference of a city centre with no soul.

Communities need pubs and clubs as focal points. Listen to the people for a change.

York has more than enough coffee bars and restaurants. The people in the York suburbs need somewhere to play after a hard day's work. Don't kill off what community spirit we have left.

Elaine Murray,

Shepherd Design,

Frederick House,

Fulford Road, York.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, January 22, 2002