I AM writing to raise my sadness at the lack of a Christmas tree in the town centre this year.

I am well aware of the demise of the old tree sited on the flat roof section of the town hall, but what continues to sadden me about the lack of pride from our elected ward councillors in our town is it was their decision not to bother with a replacement this year.

I remember the days of a tree on the town hall square, they even block paved a cover for the hole where it sits. Why are the proud people of Leigh treated like imbeciles that would vandalise an outdoor tree?

Given my line of work, I am acutely aware of the financial restrictions face by Wigan Council and the redundancies and cuts in service due to a lack of central government funding.

However, the council found money to refurbish Wigan Town Hall to the tune of £6 million, the redevelopment of the galleries a combination of public and private finance will again benefit Wigan town centre with £1.3 million of public money being spent on a new town square.

I must acknowledge Leigh town centre will receive £900,000 to spruce up the outdoor market with trees and benches but if we are honest this pails into insignificance when compared with Wigan Town Hall, two life centres, swimming pool, Grand Arcade, I could go on…..

The Loom development has made a massive difference to the town centre with a much loved cinema and restaurants but we need to realise that is the beginning not the end of the work required.

Our Christmas lights are an embarrassment, the single strand across Market Street because someone ‘forgot’ to dig a hole to place the 4th column for a second string is appalling.

The sad string that dangle from the side of the town hall has bulbs missing or not working.

The tree lights on the town hall square don’t all work.

So Lord Peter Smith, who was party to the decision not to replace the tree and in whose ward a proud tree would stand, remember, you are firstly a Leigh councillor elected by your peers to the role of leader and your first duty as a public servant should be to the public of Leigh.

Put your hand in your Brighter Borough funding.

Proud Leyther