IN response to Mrs Speedie's letter regarding trick or treat (November 1), all I can say is "Bah Humbug!"

I am sorry she lost her cat and she is fortunate to have got it back, but to immediately put a note up in her window with her phone number on was perhaps not the best thing to do.

She obviously doesn't have children, and it is a shame she feels there is no community spirit in her area and no knowledge of the children.

Perhaps slamming the door in their faces and shouting "go away" only antagonised them even more.

In our area, many children were accompanied by adults, and yes, there were some pranks played by the older ones. You will find this in any community.

Why did Mrs Speedie just not sit with her lights out and curtains closed and not answer the door on that particular night if she doesn't want trick or treats.

That is what any one else would do.

Mischief night and carol singers are only a few dark nights away!

Mrs J Smith,

Jamieson Terrace,

York.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, November 04, 2004