SIR: I am writing in reply to an article which was published on Tuesday, September 3, in respect of the Star Public house on Bow Street, Bolton.

I have personally been going into this pub for around 14 years and during that time I have seen numerous licensees manage the premises.

This public house has always had a good mixture of both gay men and women and there has never been any animosity between the sexes. The gay scene at this moment in time is at a very low ebb in Bolton and the last thing that it needs is any sex discrimination. I am totally bewildered as to why Vaux Brewery, who are supposed to be a professional company, are allowing Mr Collins to run one of their many gay pubs with a discriminative attitude.

Vaux Breweries are supported by a large gay community, especially in Blackpool, with venues like Funny Girls and I find it hard to understand that the Brewery have taken no action against Mr Collins. Mr Collins has caused a lot of ill feeling in the gay community and as a result has reduced the number of gay venues the community can socialise in.

The majority of gay community are disgusted with the way this matter has been handled up to date.

Miss L Lever, Dingle

Walk, Bolton.

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