Far from bringing trade into Swan Walk this move is more likely to drive it away.

No-one, particularly of the older generation, wishes to shop in M&S, come out laden with heavy shopping, stagger down the slope for the pleasure of sitting down for a rest and perhaps a chat to passing friends, at the same time having the very dubious pleasure of listening to the blast of 'pop' which emanates from the shoe shop where the seats are now opposite and then staggering back up the slope to the Carfax.

Along with many of my friends I have decided to no longer patronise M&S but go to Waitrose instead – so much for bringing trade into Swan Walk.

My husband is no longer able to walk around too much and he sat on these seats to wait for me while I did my shopping.

Now when I come out of M&S I have a choice – I either hump my shopping down to the seats to collect him and then stagger back up the slope or I could carry out a threat I have made.

I learned voice production in the 1940s and 1950s in the days when one had to make oneself heard in a hall or theatre without the aid of a lapel microphone – I have been told that I am one of the few people who can make a long distance call without the aid of a telephone.

So be warned, if you see an elderly lady standing outside M&S calling 'Jim' in stentorian tones, it will only me!

Bring back the swans and the seats, PLEASE.

JEAN E. PETTS
Guildford Road
Horsham