Sir, - As a former resident of Bedale for 30 years, it was interesting to read the article about its new banners in last week's D&S Times.

Yes, they are colourful and well designed. I was, however, incensed by the comment by Yvonne Rose, that they are better than hanging baskets.

Those baskets added extra colour to the town from springtime to well on into the autumn months. They were appreciated by many residents of Bedale and also visitors to the town.

I think that her comments are an insult to those who have contributed time and money to making the town a prettier place in the past, especially Colin Garner who gave up a great deal of his precious time.

He was out early in the morning and also evenings to tend to the baskets on a daily basis.

They gave a fantastic visual display.

So, yes, new ideas may be good, but don't dismiss the efforts made by others in the past.

JAYNE COLGAN Catterick Garrison.