I OBSERVE that several Northern celebrities are supporting the Durham City of Culture bid.

I put it that a section of the Durham business community should now do their bit.

I refer to the Durham City letting agents, some with offices in the prestigious Elvet area of the city who have the fine terraces and crescents of Durham City littered with Student To Let signs.

These signs appear to be permanent. Surely, in these days of internet and advertising, they are not necessary. If they will not remove them, the least they can do is make the signs smaller and more tasteful in appearance.

If the City of Culture bid fails, the letting agents must accept part of the blame. How much better Durham would look without these signs.

J Smailes, Durham.