Fuming over next door’s barbecue summer

SIR – Having doors and windows open is the best way of keeping cool in hot weather. But what does one do about the stinking, smoky fumes from the inconsiderate neighbour’s barbecue? Richard Holroyd

Cambridge

SIR – Water companies are now appealing for us to conserve water (report, July 1).

How many houses have been built, and how many fields built over, since the last reservoir was completed? Jennifer Chetwynd

Norton-juxta-twycross, Leicestershire

SIR – Instead of forcing everyone to install smart meters at great expense, could the money not be better spent on forcing us all onto water meters?

I have been watching my beloved garden slowly die each day, reluctant to use a hosepipe in the knowledge that the meter will spin in a frenzy.

With bitter resentment I also watch my neighbours, blessed with an open supply, wash their cars, put sprinklers out and wave hosepipes around in the general direction of their gardens. SE Bennett

Newcastle upon Tyne

SIR – The true sign that we are experiencing a hot, dry and bright summer must be that sunglasses are actually being used for their intended purpose and not just as hair bands. Jonathan L Kelly

Yatton, Somerset