TO bring this country into line with our continental neighbours, the Government is looking into the possibility of extra bank holidays. One suggestion is that we have one in October. However, some may say that it will be too close to the August bank holiday.

It is understood that some continental countries have 12 bank holidays a year. Sounds a good idea - one a month. How about the last Monday of the month?

The Christmas break (which includes bank holidays) could be rolled into an end of year festival. The remaining bank holidays throughout the year should be theme orientated to engage all the community in various activities and displays. A Chinese market in the WestQuay precinct to mark the Chinese New Year, and then perhaps all the local schools could celebrate a sports bank holiday in October?

The wow factor for Southampton could be a yearlong celebration generating community integration. Now there's a thought.

KIM ROSE, Southampton.