I thought that I had posted this (January 2003) message from my MP Jim Knight - but I had not - so I will. Tom is the council's Chief Executive.

I have spoken several times on this with Tom in the last week or so. He has decided that he can not justify allocated more time to this issue, particularly given the Council s current difficulties. He also tells me that the letter to the Blue Bell [The New Star} did not close them down it advised them that they have been informed that they might have activities that may require a PEL. Tom argues that this was a minimal light touch response. He does not feel that his environmental health officers have the time to go around disrupting events in pubs that proceed without complaint.

I know this may not seem helpful but it is as far as I've got.

Jim