Where I lived in London, cherry trees billowed pink blossom both sides of my street every ten feet or so every April.

This was many years ago but every April I miss seeing them. In the Fifties, an actress resident in that street had approached Kensington and Chelsea Council and asked if it would plant and maintain them if residents bought them and the deed was done.

In Brighton and Hove, I learn the council is now actively encouraging something similar. Donated trees have been planted in Hove's Portland Road and a street as long and wide as that could become a very impressive boulevard.

Trees improve and soften the streets, provide homes for our dwindling bird population and raise property values.

Trees are planted on the Sussex University campus in memory of individuals who have died and presumably could be planted along the hard concrete and tarmac stretches of roads which do not invite a stroll in their present form.

-Valerie Paynter, The Drive, Hove