AT first glance the debate about the gas lamps may be seen as a sentimental nostalgia against a hard headed realism. But examine more closely.

It is unarguable that the lamps are beautiful and unique and an asset for the community. The reasons to do away with them or hive them off to a little theme park or convert them to an electric sham must therefore be compelling.

There is the cost of maintenance. A local councillor relates that it means an extra 20p a week for Wells' council tax payers. Well, many of us will say cheap at the price. There is the efficiency argument. But when one of your correspondents refers to the Wells Common as a built up area one can see a straw being clutched.

G C WHITE, Wells Road, Malvern.