SIR,

May I wish all readers a happy new year.

I am sorry to say I found Mr Bradley's letter to me very unmannerly and would like to correct him on a few points.

Firstly I am well into my 70s, and have never considered myself as an outsider. Monmouth was my home town and I always feel very loyal and take a great interest in what happens.

I went to the schools in Monmouth and we did learn some Welsh, it was a very pleasant and happy time.

We moved to Swindon to get work, we have never claimed any benefits preferring to support ourselves and not be a burden to the town.

It was a great wrench to leave and would love to move back but we need to stay in Swindon to be near our children and help them.

You might not speak Welsh but I have taken the incentive to learn how to greet the immigrants in their language and they love to hear some Welsh spoken.

I looked you up on Google and see you are, or were, a member of Monmouth Town Council, it explains why the Welsh flag is not flown.

Read what the council introduces Monmouth as: The Gateway to Wales.

I assume that the town appreciates the revenue that tourists bring and would benefit from a bit of Welsh, no need to spend lots of money just a flag to say you are now in Wales.

Mrs V Churches

(Swindon)