I WISH to respond to the letter from the German resident, Herr Dieter Schroeder, who complained about the time-keeping in Worcester.

I know first hand that the Germans are extremely punctual because my grandparents have lived in Germany for 17 years.

Once they invited 20 Germans for a party at 7.00pm. They all arrived exactly at the same time queuing for the moment when the clock struck seven.

How are you meant to greet all of them at the same time? Please consider this point.

Surely Worcester is a very good city if this is the only thing worth complaining about.

I don't live in Worcester but I live nearby and I visit it often to see my grandparents who have retired to Worcester. I always refer to my watch when I'm there! Thank you.

LUCY RUSSELL (aged 11),

Kidderminster.

LET'S face it, personal timepieces are now so cheap, plentiful and accurate that there is little need for anyone to have to depend on public clocks.

These are cumbersome and costly to maintain, particularly the old mechanical versions, and have a much lesser degree of accuracy.

It is hardly surprising that when something goes wrong the owners of such clocks now neglect them.

Perhaps it is as well Dieter Schroeder (You Say, September 28) did not visit this country in the 1940s.

Then we made things even more difficult by taking down all the signposts.

JOHN HINTON,

Victoria Avenue,

Worcester.