DURING the past week I have driven through Billinge, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Hindley and Westhoughton. It was really cheering to see all their planters planted up with spring bulbs. It was the same last summer.

What a pity that St Helens can only manage empty flower pots on roads leading into the town. If they are not going to be planted up they should be removed. As they stand at the moment they only add to the general feeling of neglect in the town.

Susan Clarke, St Helens