I see that Councillor Brian Coleman questions whether snowmen are Hindu symbols ('Christmas lights go up for Diwali', November 1).

Personally, I hadn't realised that they were exclusively Christian symbols. According to recently published statistics only about seven per cent of the population are church-going Christians. Politicians, when it suits them, like to highlight the fact that we are a multi-cultural society, so what is wrong with the notion that these festive decorations should reflect all the cultures and faiths which make up the population of the Borough? Presumably the cost of these lights comes out of the council taxes and we all have to pay those, regardless of our religious beliefs. Instead of mocking the efforts of the council, why not add some Chanukah lights and the symbols of any other community which would like to take part?

Syd Czapnik

Ravensdale Avenue

North Finchley

November 7, 2001 20:41