SIR - I strolled through Sidmouth this evening (January 6) at about 5.15 pm. Few shoppers were about but, to my great surprise, the High Street, Fore Street and Old Fore Street were brightly illuminated throughout with Christmas lighting! In the Market Place the Christmas tree was also brightly glowing with its strings of blue lights.

Is East Devon District Council (or is it the town council?) so profligate as to ignore the Twelfth Night tradition of removing decorations?

Or has a decision been taken to follow the old Devon tradition that if decorations are not removed before midnight on January 5 they must stay in place until Candlemas Day, February 2?

J Oakley

Fernside Cottage, Sidbury