AS we often fling 'brickbats', it's time for a bouquet for the council. I refer to the wonderful new zebra crossing at Barnards Green. It really is an improvement. It has made all the difference to the many elderly people who have in the past taken their lives in their hands and made the mad dash across the road from Avenue Road or Barnards Green Road. It means my children too, can safely cross to the shops.

Thank you to whoever was the inspiration behind this job!

Can I tentatively ask if there is any chance someone will do something about the path at the south end of Priory Park? At the moment the water seems to be diverting from the elegant new lay-out in the park and pouring down what should be a dry path, finding its own way into the pond. I hope someone has this in hand!

CHRISTINE SHEPHERD, St Andrews Road, Malvern.