Madam, - As a resident of Swords in north Co Dublin, I was shocked and disappointed to learn the town was adjudged the "dirtiest town in Ireland" in the 2004 Tidy Towns Competition.
As one who regularly travels the length and breadth of the country, I could name many towns that, in my opinion, are in a worse state than Swords ever was.
Of course, Swords is experiencing what most, if not all, towns and villages around the country are suffering from - late-night takeaway cafés. There are at least four of these in our main street alone.
However, the town today looks great. Christmas lights decorate the tree-lined main street, shop windows are full of festive glamour and a huge, brightly-lit Christmas tree adorns the centre of the town.
But most of all, come morning, not a shred of litter is to be found anywhere. Council litter wardens are out "at crack of dawn" and litter bins are systematically emptied every morning.
So, hats off to Fingal County Council and the litter-control staff. Let us go from bottom of the fourth division to top of the first division in 2005. Tidy Towns judges take note. - Yours, etc.,
DEREK EVANS,
Swords,
Co Dublin.