Sir - I ask that your paper, and its sister papers, embark on a "name and shame" campaign against traders who operate an "open door" policy (ordained or de facto), and do their very best to heat the street, as well as their shop.

None of us would dream of leaving our front door open with the heating on in winter. We would not wish to pay the consequent bill. But we do pay the bill when we give custom to a trader who does precisely that.

There seem to be many people still in positions of authority who remain convinced that nothing has really changed, and that we can go on wasting energy and causing carbon emission as we have done for the last 50 years. Even if you believe global warming to be a fiction, and have unrelenting faith in the never-ending supply of fossil fuel, surely you will still condemn such blatant waste.

Before I attempt to set the ball rolling, I would offer praise for Woolworths, in Bicester, and Marks & Spencer, in Oxford, for not operating such a stupid and irresponsible policy.

Let's begin by asking Borders, HMV, Blackwells, and Vitamin World (parent company responsible for Holland & Barrett), to explain themselves. Then let's ask our local authorities if regulation can be extended to drag such companies into the 21st century, kicking and screaming if necessary.

Of course, we might choose to shop elsewhere, but that assumes we can find a better (and warmer) alternative. Sadly, this does not seem to be often possible. They each justify their behaviour perhaps by citing that of their competition.

Dr Ian East, Islip