I AGREE totally with Ken Adams about seating in shopping centres.

Having had a hip and a knee replaced, I know the trials of shopping without being able to rest.

As one ages, it isn’t only the joints that suffer, but also the ability to stand for any length of time.

I suspect this isn’t recognised by those who make decisions about seating because they are probably young and fit and have no concept about the needs of the elderly and disabled.

In the past children were brought up to give up their seats to those less able but this seems to have gone by the board.

It’s older people who give up their seats to those who are perceived to be even older and more decrepit than they are!

There is also a great need for seating inside the shops themselves.

Many older people have to wait while their younger companion tries on clothes etc and invariably have no seat to sit on.

I might add, while on the subject of shopping - I wonder if shop owners realise how many of us are so disturbed by the continuous music that we often leave shops prematurely and go home empty handed.

Those who like music can surely use headphones and let the rest of us enjoy a bit of silence.

My plea is let us have more seats and more silence!

JENNY LEGGE

Haythorne Common, Wimborne

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