I echo the sentiments of M Walmsley (letters 5/7/13) that Tauranga is not a visually welcoming city. I especially agree about the appalling vegetation at the Elizabeth St roundabout that is incredibly messy and very uncomplimentary to the magnificent flagpole, and about which I have previously complained via these letter pages. Many areas have well-tended colourful flower displays but our most prominent roundabout has old brown bushes!
It's also unbelievable that Tauranga City never has any decent Christmas decorations, only a half-pie tree on a box and the tatty garlands that have stretched across Elizabeth St for the last twenty years. Other far smaller towns have wonderful displays with illuminated stars and candles around the lamposts, magnificent Christmas trees, and all kinds of Christmas themes. I challenge Mainstreet, in conjunction with businesses and retailers, to create magnificent Christmas displays and light up our city to attract people to the CBD and welcome the cruise ship passengers. There's still time to plan it, and maybe TECT could help with the electricity costs. And please get rid of those dreadful garlands that are long past their use-by date.

Maureen Guy, Otumoetai.