Dear Editor,

Having read in the Tivy-Side (Letters, October 8) that Ceredigion Council are refusing to pay Handyman John Morris for the care of the beautiful floral display that Cardigan have shown this year is quite pathetic. Annually we are frequently reminded to display flowers to help attract people to the town and I can assure you, without John Morris's hard work in watering, Cardigan would look a further 'let down'. It is essential that over the summer period the colourful display of flowers are cared for to distract people from commenting about the bollards and yellow lines clogging the town.

I have on several occasions been successful in winning a section of the 'Cardigan in Bloom' competition as a private house owner. It is a pleasure to be able to extend the display 'out of town'. I have had several people come to the door asking to view the display and several have been visitors passing in their cars, some asking to take photographs. This year I was fortunate to be able to grow some 3,500 Marigolds for my display along with other plants. WITHOUT WATER I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A SUCCESS.. They are very thirsty plants, they have large roots and especially during the unexpected hot period, watering was at 6 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. both times taking over 2 hours. The town floral displays also needed water - how else do you expect them to survive to look their best? If someone is genuinely sick and unable to do the work, Ceredigion Council were lucky to have a 'handyman' to keep the town looking at its very best - of course he should be paid. Would Aberaeron, Lampeter or Aberystwyth let their displays die? I don't think so.

Mrs Frost

Napier Gardens

Cardigan