FIRSTLY, I would like to congratulate Kerrier district council for the most attractive and eye-catching floral display that has been planted at Tesco's roundabout at Redruth this summer. I hope we can look forward to an equally attractive display throughout this winter. Well done those responsible at Kerrier.

Secondly, the Helping Hands Residents' Association would like to express their grateful thanks to Claire Brown, Mark Richardson, Cornwall Neighbourhoods For Change and Kerrier district council and all others involved in the initiative to remove from the Home Zone area on Thursday, November 4, all large and bulky items. This was a one-off chance, but has made a huge difference to the look of the estate. Thank you.

Thirdly, I personally would like to say that now that the new road improvements are underway, it would be nice if some of the residents could also make an effort to help improve the appearance of the estate, namely the improvement to their gardens, hedges and fences. The Helping Hands Residents' Association (HHRA), have gardening tools for hire at a very nominal sum for tenants who do not have the tools to do the job, so really there is no excuse for untidy gardens. If we all looked after our own piece of the environment, we could all live in a place to feel proud of. It doesn't take a lot of effort to live in a clean, neat and pleasant place, but does reflect pride and self respect not only for ourselves, but also our fellow neighbours.

Fourthly, I would also like to congratulate the shopkeeper of Clothes Line, Penryn Street, Redruth. Not only have I witnessed her regularly sweeping the pavement in front of her shop, but also the washing down of the shop front's paintwork. It is a credit to her and certainly makes her shop standout. If all the other shop keepers/manager/workers followed suit the impact on the town would be one of care and pride, gone also would be the dreaded weeds. One shopkeeper, Councillor Mrs Ellenbroek, has taken it upon herself to keep the bus shelter and the rubbish bins free from fly posting and for this she should be commended because it does make a difference to the appearance of the town.

Great things are in the pipeline for Redruth and we all must make a contribution, however small, to its regeneration. Let's all have some civic pride and self respect in Redruth once again.

Pat Bridger, Strawberry Lane, Redruth