PERSONAL SERVICESCertain newspapers have called personal injury solicitors ambulance chasers, and one professed shock and horror at the idea that such solicitors should promote their practices by advertising in local hospitals (see [2001] Gazette, 26 April, 10).All this would be unnecessary if the average high-street practice could compete with the colossal amount of money the claims merchants are able to spend on TV and radio advertising and on their stands and stalls in shopping arcades.Fortunately, there are signs that the claims farmers' storm, which has managed to seduce potential claimants away from high street specialists, has recently shown signs of abating.

There are clear signs that the claims merchants have shot their bolt and that people are beginning to realise they will be far better taking advantage of the personal service offered by their local solicitor.Louis Brody, Louis Brody & Co, Rochdale, Greater Manchester