I CAN'T believe all the fuss about the Goodramgate gnomes.

I pass the gnomes every day on my way to work and back. I'm a feminist who has campaigned vigorously against pornographic images of women and worked with survivors of sexual abuse, and I find nothing offensive about them at all.

The one exception was the Rude Santa which, I would agree, was a gnome too far.

Of course they're not 'suitable' for children.

Most of the kids I know (and having two of my own, I know quite a few) would undoubtedly collapse in a fit of smutty giggles, but I honestly don't think any child will be permanently traumatised by an over-exposed gnome.

As for the delicate American tourists who were too shocked to continue their tour, I hope their travels never take them to certain temples in Asia. They will doubtless need emergency hospitalisation if they do.

The gnomes are in the ancient tradition of English rudery. Straightforward, unsubtle and unsophisticated, and they far less dangerous to young minds than the material that can be found in almost any newsagent in York, on 'top shelves' well within the scope of young eyes, or disguised as software and games magazines.

Perhaps we all need to grow up a bit, and accept our infantile side.

But I would say to the owners of the shop - please, don't even think about the Easter Bunny...

Jane Roberts,

Irwin Avenue, Heworth, York.

Updated: 09:44 Saturday, March 30, 2002