Sir, – I have been privileged to live in this idyllic North Yorkshire village for more than 30 years, but sadly one of the main changes that I have noticed during that time is the increasing level of noise pollution disturbing the peace and tranquillity.

Where once the only sounds to be heard were those of the countryside, the cattle, sheep and occasional agricultural vehicle, now I sometimes feel as if I am living on an industrial estate as more of my neighbours acquire petrol-driven mowers, strimmers, blowers and whatever else is required to lessen the burden of maintaining their gardens.

Some seem to need to spend every bit of their spare time thrashing their lawns and hedges within an inch of their lives at ever-increasing decibel levels before they are satisfied with the result.

I would like to propose a national amnesty on at least two designated days of the week when the country’s poor, long-suffering gardens can have a rest from this merciless battering and the rest of us can sit back and once more enjoy the birdsong, the buzzing of the bees and the occasional plop as a frog re-enters the pond.

JOHN DAVIES Kirkby in Cleveland.