[Barrie Yates]

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this subject, must have been something in the Observer.

We drove along Blackburn Rd this afternoon to see the decorations that had been installed at a cost of £10,000, which have been praised by senior councillors.
We saw some very heavy posts, 5 or 6, with a meagre string of coloured bulbs strung between them. As these were said the be "Christmas Decorations" I have a number of questions.
a. Why are they placed in an area which is predominantly an area of ethnic minority that does not celebrate Christmas?
b. If it was decided that more decorations were needed - at a cost of £10,000, would it not have been better to spend that money on the central area (Town/Market Hall, Broadway, Peel St, for the benefit of all?
c. Can the people responsible for this fiasco, both employees and elected members be trusted to administer the borough's finances in general in a responsible way if this is an example?
d. Can the electorate expect a formal published apology for this obvious waste of tax payer's money?
e. Will there be any punitive action against the employees, or even councillors, who sourced and were therefore ultimately responsible for overseeing this installation was completed according to the contract including cost and adherence to the relevant safety requirements.

To cap it all, the display looks absolutely pathetic.