I was somewhat surprised to read the critical comments from Councillor Monroe Palmer about the Mill Hill Broadway traders for their disappointing efforts relating to Christmas lights (Taking a dim view of festive light fundraiser', Times Group, January 3).

If Councillor Palmer had visited The Broadway over the last few years, he would have noticed the massive growth in graffiti on the side of shops and on the walls under the bridges adjacent to Marks and Spencer.

When I phoned the council to ask if it could help to clean up the area, I was told that the relevant council people had already visited the site but as the graffiti was not racist, their policy was not to remove it.

As well as this, despite a significant growth of crime and reduction of police presence, we have not yet been given our promised CCTV.

We also have an empty shop which is defaced and harbours people begging and sleeping rough. I think Councillor Palmer should examine his own actions, or lack of them, before being to quick to judge others.

Dr Richard Evans

Chairman, Mill Hill Broadway Traders Association