I AM trying to start a campaign to put a stop to the dreadful racket being played in almost every retail outlet in the country.

I have spoken to many people regarding this horrible onslaught on the ears and without exception they all agree it is definitely not conducive to a pleasant shopping experience.

I have walked out of many establishments lately without even bothering to look round, let alone purchase anything.

I have started to complain to shop assistants but am invariably told it is head office policy and they are frightened to turn it down in case an area manager should come in.

Well, head offices, I can absolutely assure you that if you want people to spend their way out of the recession, you had better go back to the old fashioned, pleasant, quiet, unobtrusive, soothing background music that allowed people to concentrate and shop in a pleasant atmosphere.

I am not a misery, I love music in the right place, I just don’t want other people’s row foisted on me, and who wants to listen to commercial radio stations blasting out from speakers in every corner of the shop?

I know I am not alone on this so before I and many others run completely out of places to shop, can we do something about it please?

JO PEARCE, Montrose Close, Easton, Portland