I HAVE never in my life written to a newspaper before, but I feel that I must do on this occasion. I am Coleford born and bred and I am utterly disgusted with the Queen's Jubilee celebrations and decorations in Coleford.

I have seen Monmouth and they are decorated wonderfully. It is such a pleasure to wander around and see them, I do not think there were any premises that have been left out of at least some kind of bunting when we saw them on the Friday. I am led to believe that there were stalls out all over the place on Saturday, the day of the Jubilee.

I have been told that Clearwell village even had a marquee up in the main street and a good time was had by all, food and everything possible laid on for the entertainment of the children, even down to the oldfashioned "maypole dancing" on the sports field.

Newent was very well organised, Lydney Naas lane was very well represented, I know because I supplied all the bunting.

In Coleford there was a cup of tea and a cup cake served on the Tump and one piece of bunting that would have disgraced a toilet.

On enquiring at the Forest of Dean headquarters why there was no bunting, or very little, I was informed that Coleford decoration was nothing to do with them; it was the responsibility of the Town council.

On telephoning the town council a lovely, cheerful female answered very politely. When I enquired who I could speak to regarding Coleford Town Council's decorations for the Queen's Jubilee, the voice changed to that of an old fashioned head teacher reprimanding a child. She then went on to inform me in no uncertain terms that there was bunting put up, also that a cup of tea was available and a cup cake, at no charge, all free. Wow.

Then she went further to explain that the Forest of Dean Council had said they would no longer be liable for the Coleford CCTV cameras and that the town council felt obligated to continue them. The cost of this was £60,000, and she thought it was prudent to save the money instead of wasting it on bunting.

When I received my council tax bill it was increased by 63.2 per cent for the town council, which I was under the impression was to pay for the cameras. If all of the residents of Coleford area are paying an extra 62.3 per cent, surely there would be a little bit in the kitty to pay for a few bits of bunting for the chance of a once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our illustrious Queen Elizabeth. Long may she continue to reign over us.

– Mr and Mrs RD Morgan, Coleford.