Almost everyday somebody somewhere passes comment about the fantastic floral displays in our District Centres. Many of our parks, pavements and roundabouts are riots of colour. The various "Friends of" and community groups have contributed, together with schoolchildren, guides and brownies. How proud they must all be. Our teams of heard working Council Offficers have assisted these groups and braved awful weather to plant up these displays last autumn. After a long cold winter these displays really contribute to the wellbeing of residents. Many people have asked me to pass on their thanks for this roit of colour in a grey and troubled world. It gives me much pleasure to congratulate all those involved.

It was with a mixture of anger and frustration that I heard the news about the closure of local sorting offices and 300 job losses in Stockport at a time of recession. I am surely not alone in having to collect parcels and post from time to time. At the moment I am able to walk, in the future I shall have to catch a bus or use the car - very green!

Communities value these local services. We have a sense of identity with and are proud of our Borough. we have no wish to lose our local postmark and be part of Greater Manchester. There must be associated costs with the transer of mail back to the postal distrcits. Will it mean an increase in the speeds which vehilces use to gain target times? Will the hours for collection be extended? Also, what about the workforce, many of whom already work unsociable hours? Transport for them will also be difficult. If something isn't broken, why try to mend it?

Have you noticed the coins in your pocket recently? They look like those we played with as children. The most significant thing about them is the fact that we have lost Britannia from the coinface. I don't remember a consultation as to whether she should go. At a time when the numbers of people tracing their ancestry and roots is increasing, should we lose something which says so much about our history and who we are? After all, Britannia has been with us on our coinage since 1672.

St George's Day will soon be with us. You will be most welcome to the concert at the Town Hall in aid of the Mayor's Charity. Compered by Peter Wheeler you will have the opportunity to wave your flag (provided) and sing the Prom favourties. the mighty Wurlitzer, played by The Welsh Wizard Byron Jones, and many others will entertain you. The date is Friday 24th April - I hope to see you there!

Councillor Maureen Walsh
Bramhall North