I have been coming to Malta for about 25 years and one of my most enjoyable times, after meeting old friends, is to sit or stand for long periods of time at the Upper Barrakka Gardens just enjoying the amazing views and marvelling at all that can be seen.

This year, however, I find them blighted by “talking telescopes”. In itself, this is not too much of an intrusion as they seem rarely used during the hours I spend and the commentary lasts only a short time for a whole euro.

The main disadvantage is the huge notices fixed either side of them to the railings (in one case the wrong way), which not only spoil but obliterate much of the view, especially when one is sitting on many of the excellent seats provided.

It is a great shame that the signs for this piece of limited-use entertainment should take up so much of the viewing area.

Maybe we will have to live with the telescopes and their charges but, please, can some consideration be given to removing, or much reducing in size, these obtrusive notices which spoil, in my view, the most beautiful view in Malta?