The town and the borough councils have spent a lot of time and money in the replanting of the planters (and the Town War Memorial) in Shenley Road with a view to making the entry to Boreham Wood more pleasing to visitors and those passing through.

These planters would, hopefully, draw attention away from the degenerating and run down appearance of the rest of Shenley Road. There seems to be as much vegetation outside the planters as inside and, also, throughout the road with grass and weeks, some over a foot high, along shop fronts, street furniture etc.

Shenley Road is bad but, walking through various parts of Boreham Wood, especially Aycliffe and Leeming Road, reveals a general overgrown and uncared for appearance.

Perhaps the councils will exert as much time and effort with the poor state of pavements in the borough as they have with the planters. Boreham Wood has been recognised as having the four most deprived wards in Hertfordshire.

Why should the outward appearance of this be maintained?

Councillor Payne has stated (Borehamwood & Elstree Times, June 4) that he is proud of what his council has achieved.

Personally, I would be ashamed to be proud of a decaying community.

John Brown Morpeth Avenue Borehamwood