THE author of a travel brochure that described Winsford as "the greyest of grey towns" has claimed that the review should be "taken with a pinch of salt."

Last week the Guardian revealed how a booklet entitled "Cheshire Canal Companion" had attacked Winsford, accusing it of lacking community spirit, having no identity and suggesting it should sink into the ground.

Winsford deputy-mayor, Clr Scott Marsh, slammed the report and invited those responsible to "come and see the real Winsford".

But a spokesman for the firm which produced the booklet has claimed it should not be taken too seriously.

The spokesman said: "I think it was written a little tongue in cheek but I did get the feeling that there wasn't a great deal there to see.

"We approached the job from the point of view of a tourist visiting the town on a canal boat.

"I didn't think that Winsford had a great deal to offer to tourists and it didn't seem to be making a great deal of effort to change that fact.

"There were a lot of shops that were boarded up and it wasn't particularly attractive.

"But I don't think that Winsford people should take it to heart. It should all be taken with a pinch of salt."

Meanwhile, another major figure in the town has added his weight behind views expressed by last week's anonymous businessman.

Winsford United director and businessman, Mark Loveless has criticised town councillors for failing to bring leisure facilities to the town.

He said: "The town council doesn't seem to give a damn about youngsters in this town. There's absolutely nothing for kids to do. No cinema, no bowling alley, nothing.

"They are so short-sighted, it's unbelievable. You can't blame the people of Winsford, it's down to councillors."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.