IT WAS great to see the council lads out trimming the grass verges and another blowing the grass off the footpaths after the grass verges were cut.

It was also great to see all the trees lit up around the town centre (all year round), and to see four public toilets open, BUT unfortunately it was not Darlington.

How come other towns (Ilkley) can offer these services and Darlington services seem to be declining at a rapid pace.

Stan Wilby, Darlington