SIR,

I refer to the letter from George Weston of Llanishen printed in the 2nd October edition of your newspaper, in which he makes derogatory and insulting remarks about the residents of Usk.

In his letter headed 'Only four towns in Monmouthshire' Mr Weston suggests that the residents of Usk choose to class themselves as a 'large village' in order to win that category in the Wales in Bloom competition.

Perhaps Mr Weston should be advised to research his subject before displaying such crass ignorance.

Mr Weston should understand that although Usk enters the competition every year, we have no say in which category we are placed.

The categories are determined by the number of people registered on the electoral register in the community entering the competition. With a voting population of fewer than 2,000 it places Usk in the large village section. This is a fair system because it is based on the resources available. So Mr Weston, I hope that you will now accept that the residents of Usk are not 'cheats' and that you will offer a full apology for inferring that we are.

It is thanks to the wonderful volunteers who work tirelessly to make our town such a beautiful place in which to live, that we have been successful for so many years. I'm confident that we will continue to do so regardless of what category we are placed in.

Councillor Alec Leathwood

(Mayor of Usk)