THE Leader of Swindon Council displays a quite amazing lack of knowledge when he states that he is not sure whether you can get a Christmas tree over 40ft high. Is he really unaware that in 1947 and every year since the people of Norway have given a Christmas tree to the people of Britain in recognition of the support provided to Norway during the war years. The tree stands proud and tall in Trafalgar Square and is the focal point of London's Christmas celebrations with carol singers performing every night between December 8 and December 19. The tree is usually a Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) over 60ft high and 50-60 years old. This year the tree lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Oslo on December 4. For all those readers who are concerned about the environment, the Christmas tree remains in Trafalgar Square until just before the Twelfth Night of Christmas, when it is taken down for recycling. The tree is chipped and composted to make mulch.

As for whether Swindon will ever have such a splendid sight gracing either the Magic roundabout or Wharf Green - as Coun Bluh is unaware of the availability of such trees and his officers don't know whether one could be erected on the basis that it depends on how big it is and if it is actually possible - plus the fact that it's now the end of November, I think one can safely assume this is yet another idea floated by the council which will simply be forgotten. Thank goodness for Richard Deacon and his business colleagues in Old Town who once again will provide a dazzling spectacle of colour and festive cheer when the Old Town traders switch on their Christmas lights DES MORGAN Caraway Drive Swindon