Yet again I read about arguments over the Malvern Xmas lights. Am I the only person in Malvern that feels that they are a complete waste of money anyway?

They are tacky and ugly, and their style is reminiscent of the 50s, not the

21st century. I would make two suggestions: 1. Give the shops responsibility for their own decorations and hold a competition for the best display (voted for by the residents of Malvern); 2. Any money that would have been donated by the town council for the lights should be given to a deserving charity, to be decided by the residents of Malvern.

My reasons are as follows: Xmas should be a family, i.e private occasion, whether religious or not. Most people find the commercial hi-jacking of Xmas distasteful. So if shops want to promote Xmas shopping, let them foot the bill. If Xmas means anything today, it should include an element of unselfish giving, so as a community let's give some money to a deserving cause, a local hospice perhaps, or a project in the developing world.

Finally, I should like to see us, the residents of Malvern, more closely consulted and involved in any initiatives taken in our name. Then we could start moving forward in a positive way, and the council would have the backing of its community. Few have the time to attend public meetings, yet many would respond if asked to vote for a preferred option.

Rosalind Teuma, Quest Hills Road, Malvern.

(via e-mail)