SIR — It has taken seven days to compose my thoughts on reading the self-centred letters supporting the Butlin's concerts (Free Press, November 30).

First the sheer illogicality - the reader from The Avenue says people who enjoy peace should move to the middle of Exmoor; the reader from Alcombe says people who enjoy loud pop music should not even have to travel to hear it. so noise rules OK?

Secondly the pure lack of consideration - one says complainers lead a sad and selfish life; another says complainers have no life of their own because they can't stand others having a good time, while another likes loud music and had a fantastic time.

What lucky people to be able to be so thoughtless that they can enjoy themselves while knowing the noise is spreading over at least a one mile radius all round and causing annoyance, discomfort or even distress to others who have to hear it whether they like it or not. Now that is what I would call sad and selfish.

If I wanted a doughnut I would not expect everyone within a mile radius to eat one even if they don't like them and to go on eating them until I am satisfied.

If I wanted to go for a walk I would not expect everyone else within a mile radius to stop what they are doing and walk around till I am tired.

No more should concert goers expect everyone else in the town to listen.

Do they not realise that some people like to be able to listen to natural sounds - the wind in the trees, birds singing, bees humming contentedly and water running over stones, and that winter evenings are one of the few precious times of the year when you can go out in the garden and look at the stars without the howl of chain-saws, mowers, strimmers, drills, radios, motor-bikes revving or jets roaring overhead?

However, let us be reasonable. Of course anything that brings more trade to Minehead in the winter is a good thing. the answer is so simple: turn it down!

(1) Why can't the concerts be held indoors?

(2) If now, then why can't sound-roofing be put up round the arena so the blast is deflected upwards?

(3) If not, then why can not the amplifiers be baffled so the sound is directed at the audience and not sprayed out in all directions?

(4) Failing that, and perhaps best of all, why not connect up the amps to individual headphones so that each listener can destroy their own eardrums to their hearts content?

Any of these suggestions would allow people to live and let live. The present situation is the epitome of selfishness.

I suppose a few hours for a couple of weekends is bearable but the thought of more outdoor racket in the spring or summer when people might want to open their windows and sit in the garden is surely not acceptable.

This is not a complaining letter but suggests a thoughtful compromise. think on.

J Stockdale,

Kensington Grove,

Minehead.