I WAS pleased to attend the recent public meeting about late-hours licensing in Durham City, which was called by our MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods (Echo, March 1).

I am really glad we have an MP who sees it as part of her job to organise these public meetings and to keep local residents informed of important matters such as alcohol licensing and planning.

The meeting offered an opportunity for residents to learn a lot about how Durham County Council can regulate licensed premises in the city and for council officers and police to learn about the impact of late-night licensing on residents.

I hope Dr Blackman-Woods carries on hosting such meetings after the General Election, if she is successful.

Ian Tucker, Durham City.