HAVE things got so bad in the centre of Southampton that the only safe place to put a Christmas tree is on top of the Bargate, and this year because the building is unavailable, on a department's store balcony?

With all the CCTV cameras and security for the German market, surely there is adequate space for a tree, either in Guildhall Square, where incidently one used to be erected, or alternately at the base of the Bargate.

Other cities and towns in our area manage to have a Christmas tree in their centres, without having to resort to raising it out of reach of perhaps a few mindless yobs.

Surround it with spikes and holly if you have to, but please make it accessable for all to see, and put it at ground level in the city centre where it should be.

RICHARD A JACOB, Shirley, Southampton.

Are my family including four children the only people in Southampton who find homes strewn with fairy lights, blow up santas and snowmen offensive and deeply concerning?

We are living in an overpopulated world with energy resources declining by the day.

Can light pollution be justified in our city even if it is just for a few weeks per year?

The affect of global warming can be seen even today as I write wearing a thin T-shirt in December with no heating on!

Charity collection by some of these homes must not be an excuse, greener methods are available.

ANNIE LUCAS, Southampton.