I READ with horror that Huntingdon Town Council is doing next to nothing to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

I notice that St Ives is having a weekend of celebrations, including street parties, concerts and beacon-lighting, spread over three days. This is a town that has a statue to Oliver Cromwell, that well-known admirer of the royal family, on its market square.

St Neots is having charity duck-racing, dog shows, children’s lunches, beer and cider festival and a 3km fun run. I’m told that Huntingdon Town Council is supporting a lunch at the Medway for some lucky members of the public and is producing a booklet.

I know from my own time as mayor how difficult it is to get Huntingdon Town Council to spend any money. However, it’s a slap in the face that the council is doing next to nothing to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

I was lucky enough to benefit during the Silver Jubilee with parties all over Huntingdon, even meeting mayor Lomax. Why is the council denying the children of today the same things we enjoyed? Why is Huntingdon Town Council ignoring the weekend and happy people leave the town to celebrate elsewhere?

DOUG McILWAIN

Former Mayor of Huntingdon