PETER Heaton-Jones in his Evening Advertiser column (December 9) states "Scrooge I ain't" in the context of the topic of his choosing, "Christmas Lights," I say "Scrooge he is."

A year has flown by since my letter in your columns regarding the pathetic showing in the town of Christmas lights and my suggestion that a nominal amount be paid by shops and stores into a fund throughout the year to finance an ever increasing and improving festive display.

It would appear that too many Scrooge shopowners are not prepared to contribute regardless of the fact that drawing extra shoppers into the town will, in turn, benefit their tills. I compare our town centre with others in the region advertising on television and they admirably portray the real festive spirit.

Peter hits out at "every Tom, Dick and Santa" who have decorated their homes in the neighbourhood for the benefit of all to see and to foster the Spirit of Christmas, not bury it!

I am unable to traverse the whole district but, nearer to home, there are many displays and I would single out one in particular in Chalford Avenue, Nythe. The bungalow (it cannot be missed) is colourfully decorated from ground to chimney pot, across the roof, the walls adorned with seasonal figures, the front garden full of moving illuminated animals and the rear garden included in the display. It is a work of dedicated excellence and the persons responsible, together with all of their kind, should be congratulated and applauded for putting town centre authoritative bodies to shame.

Don't just take my word for it, go and see for yourself. I am sure Santa will disregard Peter's Christmas List request for a pair of wire-cutters and substitute it for a big bag of Bah Humbugs!

I E RICKWOOD

Eldene

Swindon