YET one more cornerstone of quintessential British life we seem about to lose – the traditional pub, and why there isn’t a national outcry is beyond me.

After all, there’s nothing more truly British than a nice, oldfashioned local – a place you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, an excellent pint and friendly chat in an atmosphere like no other.

They are going at the rate of about 40 a week, and it’s a national disaster. The cause is, of course, the smoking ban, one of the most obnoxious, busybody laws ever enacted.

Why shouldn’t people smoke while they are having a drink? I don’t smoke myself, but it’s never bothered me. Live and let live.

Lift the smoking ban now.

People are losing their livelihoods because of it and we are losing a unique and utterly irreplaceable part of our national culture.

Tony Kelly, Crook, Co Durham.