On the first of this month, Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon of Wales flew proudly over Broadway Gardens, showing that the district council was pleased to mark St David s Day in our part of the United Kingdom. It was a splendid gesture, which no doubt will b

On the first of this month, Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon of Wales flew proudly over Broadway Gardens, showing that the district council was pleased to mark St David's Day in our part of the United Kingdom. It was a splendid gesture, which no doubt will be followed by the raising of the red cross of St George on April 23, and the white saltire of St Andrew on November 30.

These ceremonies can only be an infinitesimal strain on the council tax and the council should be commended for remembering the occasions in this way. Last Friday, however, being St Patrick's Day, something went slightly wrong. Where we might have expected the red diagonal cross which has been part of the Union Flag since 1801, the Town Square flag staff carried instead the Republican tricolour of green, white and orange. Perhaps it was a friendly gesture towards our neighbour in the European Union but it was nothing whatsoever to do with St Patrick.

KEN JOHNSON, Spring Road, Letchworth Garden City