THANKS to its owner, Mark Harding, the Warehouse is a valuable asset to the nightlife of Lancaster and stands alone as an independent venue amongst the corporate stranglehold which threatens to squeeze out choice from the city centre.

I am a regular at the venue and I have never seen drugs being tolerated. The reason I go is to listen and dance to music I wouldn't otherwise hear at other clubs. I also attend the Warehouse to avoid the excessive drunkenness and violence which, most people agree, blights Lancaster on a Friday and Saturday night.

Why such large numbers of police should single out the small friendly relaxed club can only be speculated on. A possibility could be that the huge media coverage suggests it was a public relations exercise. One thing is for certain, it is tax payers who will foot the bill for this grossly expensive operation.

Would it not be more productive for police to target drug manufacturers and those who make huge profits from this illegal trade?

The Warehouse has provided Lancaster with an alternative area for good music for several years where sensible people can meet in a non-violent atmosphere.

I hope the Warehouse is open again soon. Lancaster is a lesser place while it is closed.

Eric Preston Lancaster