Chris Maclean: cheered by clean-up

Today I had to write to the local paper to praise the work of the council's street cleaners.

Throughout the hop festival they worked relentlessly keeping the bins emptied and the streets clean. They were there at seven in the morning. They were there until 10 in the evening. They circled constantly, cheerily and effectively. They deserved praise.

I must also add that much of the street litter was actually caused by us - our plastic glasses, empty bottles and litter from our barbecue. And, as my bins were overflowing, I managed to get some of my rubbish included with their's.

So I thought I'd write a letter of praise. These people are unsung heroes.

I am very quick to criticise but try to balance that by offering praise where I think it is due ~ but first I needed to find out who was responsible. The council factors out much of its work and I needed to know who deserved the praise. So I phoned the council.

After several minutes of waiting an answering machine responded with "Due to an unusually high volume of calls..." That's funny, every time I telephone the council they say that. When are they going to have the decency to say "because we haven't got enough staff to answer your call..."? Surely "unusually" means unusual, not "normal"?

My standard response to this is to try an alternative route. I telephoned the mayor's office. As I expected, the telephone was answered immediately and my problem was solved immediately.

So my congratulations go to Verdant. You were very helpful and played a big part in making our town presentable.

I salute you!