The comments attributed to Mark Fisher last week regarding the running of Seaton s entry to the Britain in Bloom competition by the town council are to be welcomed,

The comments attributed to Mark Fisher last week regarding the running of Seaton's entry to the Britain in Bloom competition by the town council are to be welcomed, if only to ask the questions of why the town council is expected to manage it, and why should it be criticised if the results do not reach expectations.

Britain in Bloom is a competition for communities.

Its literature stresses that "many entries are directed by community groups, some are led by their local authority and others are formed from people power! The key to success is forming a partnership between residents, community groups, local business and the local authority".

With a few notable exceptions, there did not seem to be much community partnership in the last entry, so let's stop assigning blame and start thinking about planning for next year.

Events such as the cycling festival show what can be done when the community pulls together, so why not an equal effort for Seaton in Bloom? A Seaton in Bloom stall will be at next January's Community Activity Fair. Can I suggest this would be an opportunity for all individuals and groups to register their interest?

Graham Jones

Seaton