I FEEL I must respond to the misguided letter about Stourport's Christmas lights from James Woodman (November 28 issue).

Contrary to his opinion that Stourport has a "Scrooge-like" council, it does, in fact, contribute heavily on an annual basis, despite having already been penalised by Wyre Forest District Council, by having its grant removed in 1986.

If he looked more closely at the "placards" hanging from the lights he would see that a number of them have "Stourport Town Council" on them.

This council's financial commitment is added to by the cost of cleaning, storage, putting them up and taking them down, the cost of electricity, insurance, wear and tear, and all other things which go to make the street lighting a success.

COUNCILLOR MICHAEL GRINNALL

Deputy Leader

Stourport Town Council

Swan Passage

Stourport