What a contrast there has been between the austere drabness of the road into Hexham this summer compared with more generous times.

Gone are the glorious meadow flowers that used to grow in the now devastated central reservation of the roundabout on the A69. Gone is the colourful welcome of hanging baskets on the bridge over the Tyne.

Of course, these cost money and admittedly we live in a time of ‘private

affluence and public squalor’, but the brilliant floral displays of Hexham railway station show that, even now, it’s possible to attain high standards.

It has been worth going by train just to enjoy the flowers!

Mary Virden,

West Woodburn