I crave to escape from the sound of accordion

It is sometimes difficult to believe the things people say. But there we are. Everyone, I suppose, has a right to his or her opinion, however outlandish it may seem. At first, I thought it was a council ploy to drive people from the Upper to the Lower High Street.

In my case it has worked to a certain extent, but for the fact that the shops I need are located at the top end of town.

It seems that some people actually enjoy it. Nevertheless, it is pleasant to move down to the Lower High Street if only for the relative peace and quiet.

From what do I seek to escape? I hear you ask. It is the unremitting sound of an accordion – an instrument whose tootlings I have detested from an early age.

Let me make myself clear. In general, I have respect for individuals who, having learned to play an instrument – any instrument – wish to demonstrate their talent to an audience but, please, Mr Sombrero man, do occasionally try your luck at the lower end of town and give me the peace I crave.

Usually, somewhere near the bandstand, passers-by will see, crudely written on a piece of corrugated cardboard, the legend ‘Homeless and hungry please help’.

The cardboard is propped against the legs of this or that man of mature age seated on the ground. Beside him, often, there lies a dog.

At his feet there is a receptacle containing a few coins of low denomination.

Elderly ladies sometimes make a fuss of the dog. Some offer the man a hot drink or sausage roll from nearby Greggs.

Some people give a coin and hurry away as if embarrassed by their acts of charity. Most people take no notice.

This is a sight to be seen daily in Ashford High Street and the number of such tableaux seems to be increasing.

I make no particular judgement of the individuals who choose this way of life, or are driven to it but I do wonder why this should be the case when Britain is one of the world’s richest countries and Ashford, if we are to believe what we are told, is thriving.

At least these individuals do no actual harm, unlike those who destroy our countryside by excessive house building on greenfield sites and those who pass plans to allow such environmental destruction.

‘Mr Sombrero man, do occasionally try your luck at the lower end of town’