AS ONE who in the past has been quite critical of Southampton’s Christmas festivities, or lack of, I have to admit that this years offerings have been a distinct improvement on the previous years!

The market and more lights have all helped to create a nice atmosphere, and it seems the leaning Christmas tree in Guildhall square is to stay that way, as no effort has been made to stand it up, but if it causes amusement who`s complaining?

As a resident of Shirley I am pleased that some effort has been made to also include the area into the city festivities for the first time.

Maybe in the future when Lidl build their store, they might, as a community gesture, light up the yew tree outside of their new premises, and Shirley can have a Christmas tree too!

It has taken a good few years to achieve all this, but things are looking up at long last.

Thank you.

Richard A Jacob

Southampton