IT was great to see so many people out the Saturday before Christmas in Highbury Barn, singing carols and celebrating the festive season. There must have been over 100 residents from across Highbury, kids from the local school, the choir from St Joan of Arc who brought a wonderful brass band to join them!

The Highbury Barn pub laid on mince pies and mulled wine, with other shopkeepers, such as Frank Godfrey, providing food for those who braved the snow. Congratulations to all those concerned!

And all this with no thanks to Islington Council and Labour councillor Paul Smith, who tried to hijack this wonderful event. Previously we had this at the same time as the Christmas lights were switched on – but not this year, as the council said they would do it, and gave the community its marching orders!

So what did we get? Two men and a dog turning up for the switch-on, and they were council staff! A confused Mayor, who didn’t seem to know why she was there, and a smug Councillor Smith! The carol service shows what the community can do – we don’t need the council, so in future let us get on with it! And stop trying to control everything. – Gabrielle Mann, Bowen Court, Highbury Grange, N5.