In these times of austerity and cutbacks, I am sure I echo the views of the majority of Hyndburn ratepayers when I applaud the decision of local council members to provide such outstanding floral displays around the borough, particularly in my immediate neighbourhood of Great Harwood and Rishton.

Despite a summer of unpredictable weather and depressing news of rampaging mobs on a robfest, the presence of this riot of colour has brought our public areas to life, relieved our stress and anxiety and we have been cheered by wafts of natural fragrance which beats chemical deodorisers any day.

Believe me, all these efforts have been appreciated by the local community.

Jim Oldcorn, Ridgeway, Great Harwood.