FAMILIES with elderly relatives in nursing and residential homes should be aware that due to changes in copyright affecting the playing of music in public places, these establishments are being told they must buy a specific license to play music or film in "public communal areas".

They are being threatened by on-the-spot inspections and large fines if not compliant.

This means no more carols at Christmas - no more communal sing-a-longs to tapes of old favourites - no more videos of old classic films.

For this group of people in their 70s and 80s BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 or Classic FM are not always suitable, and this legislation results in an unforgivable removal of one of the few remaining pleasures in their lives - music and song.

With a licence costing hundreds - or for an operator with several establishments, thousands of pounds - it is anticipated few will be purchased.

The result will be a reduction in the quality of lives for residents simply because care establishments were not exempted from this change in legislation. Those feeling strongly about this issue should approach their local MP, including Hugh Bayley, who presumably voted for its introduction.

Jonathan Charles Bonner,

Huntington Road,

York.

Updated: 11:12 Tuesday, January 10, 2006