Speaking as someone with socialist leanings, I have rarely had a problem with taxation in the name of furthering the greater good.

In Strasbourg I have seen many things that fall into this bracket - municipal fairs, street decorations/landscaping, clean streets, recycling services, affordable public transport … all good causes. However, this week I saw something which just sang ‘waste of money’ to all and sundry.

All over the city, wherever there is a free ad hoarding, Strasbourg City Council (CUS) have erected bright pink information posters, emblazoned with a smiling father and child next to a TGV train.

So what’s the message that Strasbourg Council feel warrants such ad-spend? Well, it’s not exactly critical to the well-being of their citizens…

“Happy New Year”