“She’s our most valued icon; there’s no way she could disappear,” our spokesman told us.

The ‘valued icon’ bit is echoed by staff and regulars at the nearby Sticky Date Cafe who observe a daily stream of visitors being photographed in front of the landmark statue.

THERE was more than just a little sad irony when transformation of the Cook Plaza began. As workmen began tearing up the once lovingly laid pavers some in the team were conscious of the fact they were the next day to attend the funeral of John Shaw, the contractor responsible for the CBD paving more than 20 years ago.

John, whose family business was also responsible for the Wirraway Estate at South Littleton, was killed in an industrial accident at Medlow Bath a few days earlier.  A strange twist of fate for all concerned.

IF government department’s can’t adopt acceptable housekeeping practices then who can? Case in point the former Commonwealth Bank building in Lithgow’s Main Street now leased as government offices.

When the renovations of the place were completed no one bothered to give the under awning façade a good clean down and no one has bothered since. It still bears the grime of ages. Now to highlight the point a pool of what appears to be vomit adorns the main entrance and it’s been that way for well over a week (at least it was still there yesterday).

Someone needs to draw Paul Toole’s attention to the need for an effective cleaning program. It’s not a good look for his squeaky clean government real estate.

OUR famous rose garden in Lithgow’s QE Park is again looking magnificent and at least one park ‘patron’ found it irresistible. Around 5.10 pm Thursday there was a young woman spotted helping herself to a nice bunch of fresh blooms. 

Obviously felt there was no one else around after the rain. But you never know who’s watching, do you? She left hurriedly after realising she had been spotted and joined a man waiting on a bench at the Main Street frontage, still clutching her spoils. Maybe it was their anniversary.