SIR,

I am writing reference "Save our local plea - Beacon, Wednesday, Jan 21).  The demise of the many pubs I used to enjoy in this vicinity is lamentable. The loss of the Bush as well, would severely reduce the choice of pubs in walkable distance from my home.

It is sad fact that this is not just a local problem, but is going on throughout the British Isles, and is a reflection of the impact of smoking and drink driving legislation, exacerbated by the trend to buy drink

Allen Davies

(Monmouth)