That wonderful Christmas present it appears is that we are the County Town of Northumberland.

As far as I am concerned we have always been the County Town of Northumberland, so what is the fuss.

It has always been so, since the title was first granted centuries ago, and always will be so. All that has been done is that it has been confirmed.

I cannot see thousands of extra tourists flooding through the Hotspur Tower to see our ancient town because of a few road signs.

The town has missed many chances in the past to record and publicise its delights which would have attracted many more visitors off the A1 if the town council had been prepared to advertise the attractions.

How about the Northumbria and Britain in Bloom awards that Alnwick has gained over the years? At many places where such accolades have been received, there are signs telling you so.

There was also that wonderful award that gave Alnwick worldwide publicity, from Country Life magazine which said Alnwick was the best place to live in Britain. It was probably not but it did wonders for house prices.

Just think what a sign on the A1 saying this was the best place to live in Britain would have done for A1 travellers. What did the town council do? Nothing.

So if this is the best present the council could have given me for Christmas, then I am disappointed.

I would have been much happier with a planned town council rate cut or news that they were coming up with some new initiative which would help all the residents rather than erect a few signs around the town, telling us something most of us knew already.

In fact, it is a Christmas present that we will all be paying for. Some gift that.