OK, where were they - the estimated 20,000 plus protestors, the barbarian hordes who would inevitably plunge the Nato Summit into chaos? Well, presumably they stayed at home. Perhaps there was something more worthwhile on the telly.

The words damp and squib might seem appropriate. Certainly not enough to justify the lonely vigil of so many bored-looking policemen on roundabout and bridge, poor dabs. Still, never mind, Pippa Bartolotti seems to have had a lovely time as she always does whenever she gets her name in the papers. Her description of Thursday’s march as peaceful and noisy and colourful suggests she regarded it as a jolly carnival parade rather than anything more vital to world peace. Oh, and what about poor old Newport?

Any benefits to be had from the whole sorry shebang? Not a chance. The city centre was more deserted than ever, businesses putting up the shutters for the duration, footfall a figment of imagination. The Celtic Manor has worked its rancid magic once more. It must never be allowed to do so again.

Julian R Powell, Larch Grove, Newport