Sir, - With reference to the report of the chamber of trade meeting, I wish to clarify a statement regarding the multiples and banks (D&S, Feb 9).

My personal response to the suggestion of the chamber funding hanging baskets for town centre premises was to point out that this should be the responsibility of the individual businesses. A certain number of premises already provide a floral display, including NatWest, and if they can make the effort, then why can't the others.

This comment was not directed at any specific type of business, just in general terms.

With regard to the comment of the chamber providing Christmas lights around the town centre, it should be noted that this feature is only for one month, with minimal maintenance effort.

The provision of hanging baskets, unless they are watered daily, and in some cases more often, will have a negative effect on the town's ambience; therefore, the maintenance effort will be for the duration of the summer.

I did not infer that additional floral displays would not enhance the town. Indeed, the chamber is totally in favour of the efforts of the Thirsk in Bloom project, providing that they are for the general area, with a dedicated programme for maintenance and upkeep.

I have commented on several occasions that any improvement to the town will attract more visitors. However, this must be the individual businesses' priority, initially, as they should be self promoting.

There is already a levy on members towards the Christmas lights and the ladies' section does excellent work in fundraising, but this issue of hanging baskets should be carefully costed before a decision is made.

D G MOORE

Chairman, Thirsk and district chamber of trade.

Blatantly

undemocratic

Sir, - I wonder how many people are fully aware of the implications of the three options put forward for the change in decision-making processes by Darlington Borough Council?

It seems incredible that a local authority has meekly accepted changes imposed by Westminster without asking the electorate if it is satisfied with the present system.

All three options are blatantly undemocratic as they will effectively place too much power in the hands of a ruling elite and exclude the other democratically-elected members from most decision-making proces-ses. This smacks of totalitarianism and it is fatuous for them to suggest that scrutiny of decisions after they have been made is an acceptable safeguard.

Perhaps the present system may require some modernisation but why completely scrap something that has stood the test of time?

Whichever of the three options is put in place, it might as well dispense with everyone other than the leader and his cabinet and thus substantially reduce overheads. We would at least benefit from a reduction in council tax.

It would be interesting to see if they have the courage to defy their Westminster masters if the majority of us vote for the status quo.

A R SHAW

Heathfield Park, Dinsdale Pastures,

Middleton St George.

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