IT must be hell living in Worcester city centre but, even though I live in a small town like Droitwich, with no nightclubs, I'm often disturbed at night by drinkers, returning from pubs, through my residential area.

Apart from the occasional vandalism, car damage and fighting, there is also the problem of noise, from both tipsy adults and drunken youngsters.

Small groups linger in the street to have a chat or an argument. And taxis sound their horns when they collect staff and clients from the nearest pub.

At present, the problems usually occur between about 11.30pm and 1am (some drinkers pause at a late-night fast food outlet).

There must be thousands of people in a similar or worse position to me and we probably all mainly grin and bear it. I dread to think what it will be like when Tony Blair's new law comes into force and pubs can serve alcohol later than 11.30 pm.

The police can't really stop people talking or shouting noisily and they can't be permanently present in every neighbourhood to prevent fighting and vandalism.

Tony Blair wants to cop out and penalise the pubs, but which pub is going to get the blame if the fighting and vandalism happens half a mile from the town centre?

I've got no faith in Wychavon Council officials being able to prevent these sort of problems.

My vote would go to any party that will reverse this new legislation, certainly not Labour. I enjoy a pint myself but there will be no benefit in it for the vast majority and it will cause more problems of anti-social behaviour for many.

DAVE DAVIDSON, Droitwich.

n IN your edition of Thursday, January 20, you published a photo of Roy Westwood of Jubilee Travel hoping to collect £1,000 for the Acorns Children's Hospice appeal, from a holiday weekend attended by 90 customers.

I was one of those 90 persons - and what a weekend! Well done Roy, Sue, Derek and Pauline. Your hard work paid off.

GLADYS JENKINS, Kempsey.