REGARDING the controversy now raging over obesity, may I suggest that it would be a good idea, if all obese people were banned from all public places!

Perhaps they could be made to live on wartime rations tins of snook, dried eggs, carrot pudding until they return to normal size, and are ready to rejoin the rest of us again.

Think what a boon this would be for us all. There would be plenty of room on the pavements for the skateboarders and cyclists, and shopping would become pleasurable again, with spacious aisles to wander around without the danger of 22 stone of human flesh treading on your toes.

Of course, our local hospital would also benefit, with fewer collapsing ankles, swollen legs and heart attacks to attend to, and plenty of empty beds for all.

Most important of all there would be more room in my local pub for me to get my fags out.

W NEWSON

Cricklade Road