SIR, — On Monday evening at approximately 6pm I was driving into St Albans for the first time since the Christmas lights had been turned on. How surprised was I to see as I passed under the London Road railway bridge, Xmas lights ahead of me in London Roa

SIR, - On Monday evening at approximately 6pm I was driving into St Albans for the first time since the Christmas lights had been turned on.

How surprised was I to see as I passed under the London Road railway bridge, Xmas lights ahead of me in London Road. As I got closer I was looking forward to seeing the full effect.

What a disappointment that became. As I got nearer it was clear to see that many of the lights - particularly on the right-hand side - were not even on and in fact what was happening was that the lights that were on only managed to emphasise the dismal state of the area. The boarded-up house, takeaway food shops and worse still, the dilapidated state of the once impressive Odeon cinema.

On top of this, the lights only appear to run between Alma Road and Marlborough Road so the better end doesn't even seem to be lit at all.

I can't think of a worse way to invite people to our city centre. Can you?

ANN SWANN,

Customer Service Advisor, Watford Borough Council.