I WAS amazed to read the reference to High Street closures on the Saturday of the jazz weekend in the letter from market traders which appeared in your last issue.

The Marlborough Jazz committee does not apply to close the High Street on that day. We do apply to close small sections of other streets. This is partly based on grounds of public safety on the advice of the relevant authorities.

The jazz event is the most successful of its type in England and brings thousands of visitors into the town. In terms of finance it brings in more than half a million pounds extra revenue over one weekend.

I hear no complaints from the pubs, restaurants and hotels and can only speculate on the torrent of public protest that would ensue if we ceased to do it. In the light of comments about the fun fair it might be insensitive to consider it "a matter of swings and roundabouts."

NICHOLAS FOGG

Marlborough Jazz Festival

Old Lion Court

High Street

Marlborough