Last updated 17:35, Thursday, 21 August 2008

I AGREE with the comment made by a Radio 2 listener who told Monday’s Jeremy Vine Show that whoever had complained about the market stall barkers “should get a life”.

I hope Tynedale Council’s ruling will not encourage others to complain against the ringing of the Abbey bells, another tradition over many centuries.

As a bell-ringer, I have come across attitudes where new residents to the area have tried to silence the bells because it disturbed their Sunday mornings.

They didn't understand that to build or move in next to a church with a tower was likely to have bells not only as call to worship, but for practice, competition ringing, visiting bands and celebration.

The same shortsightedness is involved in choosing to work adjacent to a market place – if one is sensitive to noise.

JOHN MARTIN,

Alexandra Terrace,

Hexham