I'm writing about the forgotten children of the Forest, those in Cinderford. Where are all the lights?

Cinderford is a dying town. I was talking to a man who once lived here as a boy and went to live in Australia. He came back recently but was so disappointed to see half the shops gone.

Parents have to take their children to Gloucester or Coleford so they can get in the Christmas spirit because, one thing is for sure, there is not much Christmas spirit in Cinderford.

We have been told the town has spent £3,000 on Christmas lights. If so, what a poor show. We were told that this year we would not be disappointed, but if what we see is what we are getting I think we all will be. We were told by the council this year will be better. But will it be?

Let's try and make it a town like others, so that we are proud to live here. Let's light up the children's faces. If other towns can do it, surely we can.

Some come on traders, let's do something for the town to bring people here instead of driving them out to other towns. We can start with some lights and tinsel. – Mrs E. Trigg, Cedar Dean, Denecroft, Cinderford.