Ban the amplifiers I WOULD like to propose a new bylaw, if such a one does not already exist, an end to amplified noise in public places.

I took a break from shopping and sat on a bench outside WestQuay. It was made intolerable by the volume of amplified sound. The busking band had microphones and speakers, the North American Indian playing Hits of Abba on his panpipes. The hot dog vendor was blasting out music from his CD and even the street preacher was using a hand held sound system. The cacophonous mix of music, singing and shouting was awful.

Each in its place, please, but not all at once, and not amplified in the street.

JULIAN LE GOOD, Hedge End.