I READ your recent Page 1 story about the criticism of Winsford in a Cheshire canals travel guide with a great deal of interest.

I can well understand the sense of outrage that greeted it. No one likes to feel under attack and people will usually seek to defend themselves when faced with a threat.

As an outsider who has come to like and admire the people of Winsford over the years, I can sympathise with those who have rushed to the defence of the town.

I am well aware that there is a sense of community here. I know that many people have worked long and hard to make Winsford a happy and pleasant place to live and work.

I have no desire to join the list of critics but the reality must be faced.

Winsford does have a massive image problem.

It is perceived as the crime capital of Cheshire when the reality indicates that it probably has no more crime per capita than any other town. Yes, there are areas of urban deprivation but they are certainly no worse than areas of, for example, Crewe, Warrington, Widnes or Runcorn.

I believe that Winsford's problem is largely one of geography with the town's two hills neatly bisected by the river.

It is a pity there was no one forward-thinking enough to embark on an ambitious plan for a big riverside development to create a new, and central town centre.

That would have given the town a focal point and perhaps created a greater sense of unity.

Observer

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