Metrication is destroying the richness and history of the English language

Ukip leader Nigel Farage enjoys 568ml of beer behind the bar of the Northwood Club in Ramsgate, Kent, during an election campaign visit. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA

I feel I must protest about the editing of my recent letter (24 April), in which you changed “less than 2 pounds” to “less than a kilo”.

You are helping destroy the richness and history of our language, 2.54 centimetres by 2.54 centimetres, and I will go the extra 1,609.344 metres to stop this process – fighting 0.9144 metres by 0.9144 metres, and 0.3048 metres 0.3048 metres, I will defend every 0.40468564224 hectares, every 5.03 metres and 5.03 metres and 5.03 metres of this rich terrain.

If necessary, I will 0.454 kilograms on your doors, and use every 28.349523125 grams of my remaining strength to impede your efforts.

I will be going now, but not 201.168 metres!

Or, as I’d prefer:

You are helping destroy the richness and history of our language, inch by inch, and I will go the extra mile to stop this process – fighting yard by yard and foot by foot, I will defend every acre, every rod, pole and perch of this rich terrain.

If necessary, I will pound on your doors, and use every ounce of my remaining strength to impede your efforts.

I will be going now, but not furlong!
David Reed
London