I was not notified of plan I MUST respond to the two letters that have been published about the article generated by me regarding the mental patients' facility being placed directly next to my home and my business in Terminus Terrace, Southampton.

My point was that Southampton City Council did not notify me as a resident or a business owner directly next door to this facility, as to the type of facility that was proposed.

The 55 letters sent to residents, and the notice displayed outside the building merely stated change of use to health had been applied for. Had residents been informed about the type of health facility, then more people would have questioned it.

In defence of the NHS, I have personally spoken with the facility management since the article was printed, who have told me that they would have been delighted to hold a meeting putting residents' minds at rest by informing them about the facts. They have told me that staff would be on hand to help us in the unlikely event of us having a problem. From our point of view mental health could mean anything from depressed to physically dangerous, and we needed to know what was going on.

We had to make sure that as the council actively encourage cafe-style street tables, for which we have to pay a licence, that our customers at the Court Jester would feel safe and comfortable.

In response to the letter from Nicola Davies saying that I should be giving back something to the community, my pub and our customers give thousands of pounds a year to local charities, and as an entertainer I perform at many charity events helping to make this world a better place.

I feel sure that Ms Davies, who tried to slate my character, realised that had a notice been issued saying a mental health facility was being opened next door to her home in Highfield she would have wanted to know the facts as to how it would effect her, and people visiting her home.

PAUL SHINAR, The Court Jester public house, Southampton.