READING in the World, February 12, about how Runcorn Old Town is full of surprises, it sure is because we have got nothing.

I have lived in Runcorn all my life and it has slowly gone down hill.

Regent Street, Church Street, High Street and even Bridge Street were buzzing.

I was shopping in the Old Town one Thursday and a man and his wife asked if it was half day closing.

I felt ashamed.

And as for the Arts Centre, what a joke!

It is not art centres we need; it's shops and new blood.

I think it's up to the council to get out there and try and get some new business before our Old Town folds and we bury it.

Mrs M Osborne, Dudley Avenue, Runcorn