AFTER booking a local pub's back room for a friend's leaving party, everything was cancelled four hours before everyone was about to arrive. I understand it was a friendly warning from a Coleford policeman.

The landlord had, I'm told, been informed that if the party went ahead the police would make their presence known. I'm not sure of the exact words used but it was enough to make the landlord cancel the party.

Whatever happened to innocent until proved guilty?

The party was well organised and, because of the number of people, security had also been organised. Admittedly the party would have played dance music – not your old disco music but dance music of today. Why should people be judged so badly all because of their choice in music?

Recently I went to Monmouth Festival where I and my family, young and old, danced to a local Monmouth DJ who played dance music in the town centre. We all had a wonderful time. Some Monmouth pubs let local DJs play most weekends.

I would like to know where local Coleford DJs can play? If they can't do it legally they will end up playing at illegal raves. Is that what they want?

Anyway, I would like to say that the party went ahead thanks to a local pub that let us all dance to our desired music. Everything went smoothly and there was no trouble. I'm looking forward to the next one.

You might not understand dance music but for those of us who do, it does not automatically make us undesirable people.

So come on, Coleford police – like your neighbouring towns, move with the times! – Name and address supplied.