MAY I congratulate the Darwen market traders and council workers for the magnificent firework display at the grand switch on. They really were amazing and the best-ever. Also, the market looks very seasonal and inviting for Christmas shoppers

I also congratulate Jenny from 'Solitaire' for her solitary tree. It would be great if the shopkeepers followed suit in Duckworth Street. Does it really cost too much to put up a real tree and lights in the main street?

On a down note, I am curious to know why they take down the lights each year only to put the same ones up again in the same place! Don't they check them prior to the switch on?

With the exception of a few it would be nice if the local shopkeepers got into the spirit of Christmas and adopted a nicer, friendlier attitude towards shoppers. A smile and a friendly greeting goes a long way and thank-you costs nothing.

Come on Darreners

KAREN WRIGHT, Prince Lee Meadows, Darwen.