WHILE awaiting my turn at the cash register till at my local supermarket, I noticed the young assistant tore each sterling note about a half-inch across the silver strip.

When my turn arrived and I handed over a new £20 note, she did exactly the same, and when I asked why she did this, she replied "Because I've been told to."

I should imagine, with this sort of defacement, the life expectancy of new notes is greatly reduced.

Mr J Baxter

Lucas Road

Farnworth, Bolton