But in recent days there was a distressing outbreak on Council’s own doorstep that demanded a faster response.

Vandals are nothing new in QE Park. But graffiti has mercifully not been a problem – until now. In recent days hoodlums targeted the rock face and retaining wall on the eastern side of the park.

It had not been quickly addressed (at least at time of writing) despite being just metres from the Council park works depot. This must surely be a case for permanent lighting to deter after dark anti social behaviour.

Worthy contribution: Congratulations to all shopkeepers in the Lithgow CBD who took the time and trouble to dress up their windows for the Halloween festival. The decorated windows were a popular highlight of the successful spooky street carnival.

Pyjamas and Bananas: In recent summers there has been the emergence of a rather unusual practice of evening shoppers turning up in pyjamas, which caught on somewhere along the line. Maybe they just want to be prepared for delays at the checkouts. But if it really takes off there could be some hard decisions for those who prefer to sleep au naturel.