THE loss of Binns as we knew and loved it in Darlington is very sad and I agree with Ann Hedworth’s remarks (HAS, May 22).

The noise as one enters the shop is extremely off-putting and the favourite makes and sizes of clothes are no longer available.

A friend was informed: “We have nothing to fit you so suggest you go to Northallerton”, which she did and she received first class attention.

I still enjoy a cup of coffee in the restaurant as it is the only place one can get a sit down. Waiting for an on-line transaction recently a chair had to be brought for me from the cafe.

Darlington is not the same without Dressers, Lucks and now Binns.

Eileen Hauxwell, Stapleton

OH, how I agree with Ann Hedworth (HAS, May 22). There are many shops I will not enter as the noise is deafening, a ridiculous dum dum dum beat that hurts my head.

But my biggest hate is in pubs, cafes and restaurants where I want to eat a meal while talking to friends but can’t hear a word for a cacophony of sound. I walked out of Jamie Oliver’s in Newcastle. Can I have a return of silence and if they must have music, give them earphones.

Tom Cooper, Durham City