I CAN empathize with self-confessed grumpy old Astley man, Stewart Cartwright, who has had a whinge about awful headbanging music in shops.

Stewart tells me he decided to buy some new trainers from JJB Sports in Bradshawgate, but as he ascended the escalator the music was so overbearingly loud he did a U-turn and walked away.

He asks why shoppers are now subjected to musical torture and not allowed to browse in peace. The same question occurs to me.

I was in a Tyldesley business that was bashing my eardrums with mind blowing (c)-rap music and I too decided to exit stage left.

I don't know why shops think they have the right to impose their personal choice of music on to others -- unless of course they choose to limit their custom to a certain agegroup.

If not, perhaps a bin full off ear muffs for the use of might help, but preferably let's get back to the sounds of silence.