On behalf of Broadstone residents I would like to extend sincere thanks to Broadstone Chamber of Trade and those volunteers who have given of their time so generously to ensure the Christmas season gets off to an excellent start. This year the Christmas lights are better than ever and the formal switch-on was a huge success with over 150 residents enjoying the carol singing and mince pies. Like many others, I am looking forward to the parade on Saturday December 4. Christmas is a time of giving and it is a pleasure to see the children of Broadstone giving presents to Father Christmas who will then distribute them to more needy children in the borough.

This community effort represents an excellent example of David Cameron’s ‘big society’. Such activity will become more and more important as the financial cuts begin to affect everyone’s daily lives. Inevitably, the council’s dependence upon voluntary activities of this kind will also increase. It is therefore difficult to understand why the council should be so unsympathetic when it penalised a volunteer who was carrying out essential safety work (Daily Echo November 27) in readiness for the Christmas lights and parade.

Cllr Mike Brooke, Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone