RESPONDING to the letter "dog noise" from St Briavels.

This poor person who has been driven to distraction by constant barking does not seem to understand that most dog owners do not think that you have a right to peace and quiet – you should love their dogs as much as they do and not mind the noise or the constant fouling of our footpaths and parks.

You should also not mind when their dogs jump up on you with their muddy paws and dirty your clothing when you go for a quiet walk in the park and fields.

After all, these same dog owners allow their dogs to lick their faces and mouths after their dog has been running around in these same parks.

I have seen this often in and around the Forest and in Monmouth where I now live.

I do realise that not everyone has the same standards of hygiene or, for that matter, consideration for neighbours.

I fully understand your frustration in this matter but please do not expect thing to improve any time soon.

Monmouth has been voted third best place to live in the country in one national newspaper.

It is only when you come to live here than you notice these things.

Good luck with those ear plugs.

– Sympathiser, Monmouth.